Publix is opening in Greater Williamsburg before the end of the year — but no one knows exactly when its doors will slide open and customers will stream in.
The supermarket chain announced in November 2017 it would open a store at the site of the former Martin’s on Monticello Avenue. Publix is remodeling the building and the site is fenced off for construction.
Kimberly Reynolds, Publix’s media and community relations manager, told WYDaily the supermarket is on pace to open in the fourth quarter of 2018. However, despite rumors to the contrary, she said the company has yet to choose a date for the grand opening.
Reynolds added that when the store does opening it will offer “lots of samples” and reusable bags to customers at checkout during the grand opening.
Amy Jordan, director of economic development for James City County, said the opening date remains fluid.
“We don’t have a firm date yet,” she said. “[Publix] had previously said to us it would probably be late third quarter, early fourth quarter. But we do know that construction has moved along and progressed very well, so we feel they’re very close to wrapping that part up.”
Jordan said Publix will need to obtain a certificate of occupancy before the store can open but added that should not be a hurdle. She added that she is excited about what Publix will bring to the community.
“It does bring something a bit different in that it’s the first Publix in our region,” Jordan said. “They’re also usually at the top of the list for Forbes best 100 places to work so it could be a good employer and community partner.”
Once Publix opens, the store will employ around 140 people.
Publix operates eight stores in greater Richmond, and this is its first in southeastern Virginia. Publix has more than 1,100 stores across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina and Virginia.
