Lucky’s Market to sell 11 stores to Aldi and Publix as it files for bankruptcy
Only one Florida Lucky’s Market will remain a Lucky’s. The future of the Tampa Bay locations is still unclear.

By Sara DiNatale
Tampa Bay Times
Published: Jan 27, 2020

Lucky’s Market has filed for bankruptcy and is in the process of selling six of its Florida locations to Aldi and another five to Publix.

Publix is under contract to purchase Lucky’s leases with locations in Clermont, Naples, Neptune Beach, Orlando and Ormond Beach, the store said in a statement. These locations could become a Publix, or more likely, a Publix GreenWise. GreenWise stores, Publix’s new specialty chain, shares Lucky’s emphasis on prepared foods.

Aldi has not confirmed which locations it’s taking over, but in a statement to the Tampa Bay Times said it’s “acquiring several” in Florida.

In total, 32 Lucky’s Markets are closing.

Lucky’s first announced on Jan. 21 that it would be closing all but seven of its stores. The only remaining location in Florida is in Melbourne.

The company said on Monday it has filed for Chapter 11 protection as it sells off its assets. Lucky’s said in a release it has signed an asset purchase agreement with Aldi for the six Lucky’s stores.

After Lucky’s finishes closings its stores, up to 2,500 Floridians could be without jobs. A total of 89 employees have been laid off from the St. Petersburg store, according to a report to the state. So far, only two other Florida stores have reported their layoff numbers to the state, resulting in another 186 job cuts. The chain also said it would be reducing jobs at its Colorado headquarters.

Publix has been steadily growing its GreenWise concept. It opened the first in Tallahassee in 2018. Like Lucky’s, the store serves craft beer and wine and has niche grocery items. A location recently opened in Lakeland and Tampa’s first location is planned for the Water Street development.