Publix opens new Tri-State store amid regional expansion in Kroger's backyard
WALTON, Ky. (WKRC) - Workers scrambled to finalize preparations for the grand opening of a new Publix store just outside Walton in southern Boone County Monday in advance of its grand opening this week.
It's one of five planned for Northern Kentucky over the next two years, with additional locations in Florence, Hebron, Independence, and Cold Spring.
Publix, which recently opened stores in Lexington and Louisville, plans a total of 13 locations throughout Kentucky. The company is making a significant push into the state, its eighth in operation, following the construction of a distribution center in North Carolina to facilitate northern expansion. It has no current plans as of yet to expand into Ohio.
The company enters an already crowded marketplace including Cincinnati-based Kroger, the nation's largest grocery chain, Wal-Mart, Meijer, Trader Joe's and Aldi.
But Publix has competed against Kroger elsewhere, namely the huge Atlanta market.
"We're very familiar with the competition that's in Kentucky and the surrounding areas," Publix's director of communication Maria Rouse said. "I don't think any grocery when we go to market we're always looking to compete and to bring the best value for customers. I think the ones that are familiar with us and the new customers that will come discover us are really about that providing that service, the quality products and competitive pricing."
A Kroger representative declined comment on the new store in an email Monday.
The new 55,000-square-foot store features a food court-style section, a bar serving craft sodas, coffee, and beer on tap, and a large bakery. It is one of only two big-box grocers serving the rapidly growing southern section of Boone County.
That's welcome news to Boone County Judge-executive Gary Moore, who says the land sat undeveloped for more than 30 years.
"I've been amazed at all the local people working here that I know," Moore said. "So, the other thing about these projects is when a company comes, it's employing our local residents, giving them opportunities."
Rouse says the company will compete on price, but that the company prides itself on top-notch customer service.
"Our associates are our biggest differentiator," she said. "When you come to Publix it's all about the service. We have associates that are going to help you find product. We're going to have our associates that are going to help bag your groceries and take them to your car. We're going to have knowledgeable associates that will help with recipe development and tell you what products they love."
The Walton store is located at the entrance of the high-end Triple Crown housing development off the Richwood Road exit.
Publix is privately and employee-owned, reporting nearly $60 billion in sales last year, making it about the 12th largest grocer nationally.
The new store opens Wednesday at 7 a.m. with a ribbon cutting set for 6:45 a.m. - Local 12's Good Morning Cincinnati will be there to cover the event.
