Publix Expands in Pinellas County — And Continues Dominance Across Florida’s Grocery Landscape
Florida’s beloved hometown grocery chain Publix Super Markets is continuing its steady expansion with two new store openings scheduled in March 2026 — reinforcing its role as not just a key retailer but a central economic presence across the Sunshine State.
The new stores will open next month in Clearwater Plaza (1295 S. Missouri Ave.) on March 5 and at 6605 38th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg on March 12. The St. Petersburg location will also feature an adjacent Publix Liquors, catering to both grocery and specialty beverage demand in one convenient spot.
A Florida Staple — And One of the Nation’s Largest Grocers
While many Floridians think of Publix simply as “the place to shop,” the company’s footprint truly reflects its broader success:
- Publix began in 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida, and is still headquartered in Lakeland. It is one of the largest employee-owned companies in the U.S. and among the top 10 supermarket chains in the nation by revenue and store count.
- As of early 2026, Publix operates over 1,400 stores across the Southeastern United States, with the vast majority concentrated in Florida.
That growth has helped solidify Publix’s reputation not just as a grocery chain, but as an economic anchor for many communities — with stores often serving as key tenants in retail centers and hubs for employment.
Dominance in Florida’s Grocery Market
No other grocery chain comes close to Publix in terms of statewide presence:
Top Grocery Chains in Florida (by Locations)
- Publix – ~908 locations, serving more than 250 cities across Florida, making it the clear #1 grocer in the state.
- Winn-Dixie – ~327 stores and a recognizable regional presence.
- ALDI – ~285 stores, rapidly growing and competitive in price-driven segments.
- Key Food – ~106 stores.
- Tom Thumb – ~103 stores.
- Trader Joe’s ~ 27 stores.
This list reflects the entrenched position Publix holds in Florida’s everyday retail landscape — a position earned over decades of strategic growth.
Industry data also suggests Publix controls a significant share of Florida’s overall grocery market, estimated in some analyses to be around 38 – 46 % of the market share statewide, far outpacing competitors like Walmart and ALDI in many regions.
How Grocers Stack Up Nationally
While Publix’s presence in Florida is dominant, the national grocery market looks different:
- Walmart remains the largest grocery retailer in the U.S. by total sales and footprint, with thousands of supercenter and neighborhood market locations nationwide.
- Costco and Kroger also rank near the top in terms of total U.S. grocery market share.
- Publix consistently ranks within the top 10 U.S. grocery retailers — a strong showing for a company built and concentrated primarily in the Southeast.
What This Means for Florida Communities
For Clearwater and St. Petersburg residents, the March openings are more than just new places to shop — they represent continued confidence in the region’s economic health and residential growth. Publix’s expansions tend to stimulate nearby development activity, attract complementary retail, and create local jobs through both construction and ongoing store operations.
