DOTHAN, Ala. — The familiar Winn-Dixie supermarkets in Dothan are set to close this summer, signaling a major change for the community’s grocery shopping landscape. After serving local residents for more than 20 years, both Winn-Dixie locations will be remodeled and transformed into Aldi stores, a shift that comes after the parent company of Winn-Dixie, Southeastern Grocers, completed a deal with Aldi earlier this year.
As part of the transaction, Southeastern Grocers sold over 170 of its stores to Aldi, while Aldi retained more than 200 of them for conversion. Among the stores set for transformation are the two Dothan locations, which will soon join Aldi’s growing presence in Alabama. The closest Aldi store to Dothan is in Enterprise, which opened in November 2023.
The news has left some longtime customers reflective and uncertain about the change. Robert Wilson, a local resident who has lived in Dothan since 1999, recalls shopping at Winn-Dixie since his childhood days in south Alabama. “I’ve been going to Winn-Dixie since I was a kid, so we will see how it all pans out and hopefully it’s all for the best,” Wilson said.
For other shoppers, the loss of a beloved store is bittersweet. Catherine Dawkins, who frequented Winn-Dixie for its fresh produce and quality offerings, expressed disappointment over the change. “Well, in a way, I hate it because I love to shop here, and it’s a good store to shop at, and everything is fresh,” Dawkins remarked.
Though many are fond of their longtime shopping destination, some are open to the possibility of Aldi’s arrival. Dawkins, who was unfamiliar with the store, said she might give it a try, while Wilson, who has heard of Aldi, is hopeful about the new store. “I hope they maintain the good customer service that Winn-Dixie is known for,” he said. “Not sure how the meat selection will be because that’s a trademark for Winn-Dixie—they are beef people and had a full-time butcher, but I hope it carries on to the next chain.”
One of the bigger uncertainties surrounding the transition is the fate of Winn-Dixie’s employees. While some are hopeful that Aldi will retain staff, others worry that workers may lose their jobs during the conversion. “Really hate for people to lose their job,” Dawkins commented.
Wilson echoed similar concerns, saying, “There are economic ups and downs, and we just hope the best for all of those involved.”
The closures are set to take place in July, and the stores will remain closed for a few months as they undergo remodeling. Once the transformation is complete, Dothan residents will have a new grocery option in Aldi, though it remains to be seen how the shift will impact the community’s shopping habits and local economy.
As the deadline for the store closures approaches, many are left with mixed emotions—anticipation, nostalgia, and a sense of uncertainty about what the future holds for Dothan’s grocery shoppers.
