Publix Super Markets opened two stores this week, including one of in Naples, and it plans to open 35 more this year. It’s also buying properties to accommodate its associates who work behind the scenes.

  • Chain currently operates 1,146 stores
  • Company purchased Lakeland Florida Citrus Mutual location in Nov.
  • 20,000 Publix associates added over the last 12 months

One of those properties purchased sits in downtown Lakeland.

In November, Publix spent $3.1 million on the Florida Citrus Mutual Building, across from city hall. According to the Polk County Property Appraiser’s Office, the building was worth around $1.4 million.

“We purchased it to be prepared for future use," said Brian West, Media and Community Relations manager for Publix Super Markets. "We are busting at the seams and growing continually so we’ve got to find ourselves prepared for space."

Florida Citrus Mutual, which has operated on the site for 68 years, said it wasn’t actively marketing the building, but Publix gave the company a good offer.

West said the company has added 20,000 associates in the last twelve months. The Lakeland Ledger reported the company was looking into adding 700 jobs and a $28 million facility in Lakeland.

When asked about that report, West would only say this: “We’re looking into potential future expansion but nothing has been determined yet."

Publix takes possession of the Florida Citrus Mutual building, which features more than 20 offices and two auditoriums, in August. So far, the company hasn’t said what it plans to do with it.  

“Right now, we don’t have any specific plans for the building," said West. "It was really more about parking at the time. But we will use it in some capacity."

Publix already has hundreds of employees, mostly information technology associates, working in Lakeland’s downtown. Julie Townsend with the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority is hopeful Publix will bring in more.

“They’re trend setters in bringing their corporate employees downtown and we are hopeful that other businesses or corporate regional offices will follow,” said Julie Townsend.  

Across the southeast, Publix has 1,146 stores.  It’s entering into new territory in 2017 by opening several stores in Virginia.