DOTHAN, Ala. — This summer, residents of Dothan will witness a significant shift in their local shopping landscape as both Winn-Dixie locations in the city prepare to close. The stores will undergo a transformation and reopen under a new name — Aldi, the German-based supermarket chain that has been steadily expanding across the U.S.
For many in Dothan, the news marks the end of an era. Winn-Dixie, a chain that has been a fixture in the city for at least 20 years, holds a special place in the hearts of long-time shoppers. Robert Wilson, a local shopper who moved to Dothan in 1999 from Texas, reflected on the change. “I’ve been going to Winn-Dixie since I was a kid, so we’ll see how it all pans out. Hopefully, it’s all for the best,” he said.
Another Dothan resident, Catherine Dawkins, expressed her disappointment about the store’s closure. “Well, in a way, I hate it because I love to shop here. It’s a good store, and everything is fresh,” she remarked.
The closure of the two Dothan locations comes as part of a broader shift involving Winn-Dixie’s parent company, Southeastern Grocers. Earlier this year, Southeastern Grocers repurchased over 170 stores from Aldi in a deal that saw the German chain retain over 200 locations for conversion. The Dothan stores are among the locations Aldi will take over.
For residents, the change also signals the arrival of Aldi, which currently operates its nearest store in Enterprise, Alabama, a location that opened in November 2023. While Dawkins admitted to never having shopped at Aldi before, she indicated that she might give the store a chance once it opens in Dothan. Wilson, on the other hand, expressed optimism about the transition. “I hope they maintain the good customer service that Winn-Dixie is known for. I’m not sure how the meat selection will be, because Winn-Dixie was known for having a full-time butcher, but I hope that carries over,” he said.
As the stores prepare for the transition, one key concern for both customers and employees is the future of the local workforce. With the closure of the Winn-Dixie stores, it is unclear whether current employees will be retained as part of Aldi’s workforce or if they will have to seek new employment opportunities. Both Wilson and Dawkins voiced their concern for the employees. “I really hate for people to lose their jobs,” said Dawkins. Wilson echoed this sentiment, adding, “There are economic ups and downs, and we just hope the best for all those involved.”
The closure of the Dothan Winn-Dixie stores is scheduled for July, with the locations expected to remain closed for several months while they are remodeled. Residents will have to wait until the transition is complete before experiencing the new Aldi stores firsthand. As the change approaches, Dothan shoppers are left to ponder how the new Aldi stores will compare to the beloved Winn-Dixie locations they have frequented for so many years.
