Albertson's Store Could Become Another Publix

SEBRING - The Albertson's at 3610 U.S. 27 N., in Sebring, is being sold to Publix Supermarkets, along with 48 other Florida Albertson's stores.

Maria Brous, Publix spokeswoman, said Monday that it was "too early to tell" if the Sebring Albertson's would remain open as a Publix store.

About 100 Albertson's employees will need to attend dedicated job fairs to become Publix employees if the grocery chain continues to keep the Sebring store open.

Highlands County has three Publix stores.

"It's not uncommon for us to have locations together," said Brous. "It creates more competition between (Publix) stores to gain that loyal customer."

The due diligence period for the sale will last 90 days, and the exchange of door keys is projected for September.

Shane McEntarffer, spokesman for Albertson's, said Monday that the Sebring Albertson's gas station will remain open while the company seeks a buyer.

Albertson's is selling for the long term interests for the company, McEntarffer said.
"We're consistently evaluating our markets," he added.

What is now Albertson's LLC, operated its first market in 1939, and expanded by adding stores in Florida during the late 1960s. Albertson's will continue to operate 44 markets in Florida, and about 300 nationwide.

The Sebring location opened in 1997. It was chosen the chain's Store of the Year for 2005 for the Eastern Division.

Brous said prices would not be affected by the sale.

"Our customers benefit from the best quality products, at the most competitive prices," said Brous.
Publix owns 936 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, with 142,000 employees. Gross sales for 2007 were $23 billion.