Plans for shopping center in North Raleigh abandoned

If you were hoping for a Publix grocery store in North Raleigh, you'll have to wait even longer. The planned development in North Raleigh, which was rumored to include a Publix, has been abandoned. Due to opposition from nearby residents, the Charlotte developer will no longer be building a grocery store, bank and smaller shops at the intersection of Falls of Neuse Road and Dunn Road.

Cary, on the other hand, should see another Publix store coming to their city soon. Publix is purchasing a vacant Lowes Foods store at 3480 Kildaire Farm Road.

According to their press release issued in mid-April, "Publix Super Markets Inc. and Lowes Foods, LLC, have announced the companies have entered into an agreement under which Publix is expected to purchase two closed and vacant Lowes Foods Stores in North Carolina" including one at 3480 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary and one at 1949 Hoffman Road, Gastonia.

​“We’ve opened eight stores in North Carolina within the past year, solidifying our commitment to growth within the state," said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Our associates continue to provide customers with premier service, quality products and an enjoyable shopping experience. As the largest employee-owned supermarket in the nation, our associates are passionate about serving customers, and meeting and exceeding their expectations. Our service-oriented culture is continuing to foster a loyal customer following in North Carolina and across all our market areas.”

They have not announced the opening date at this time.

In response to the sale of the Lowes Foods locations to Publix, Lowes Foods President Tim Lowes said, ​"As a homegrown grocer serving our guests in the Carolinas since 1954, we continue to be excited about the future of Lowes Foods.The sale of these closed and vacant store locations is part of our comprehensive growth strategy that includes accelerating investment in rebranding existing stores, building new stores, and evaluating strategic marketplace opportunities."

​Publix is privately owned and operated by its 175,000 employees, with 2014 sales of $30.6 billion. Currently Publix has 1,098 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Lowes Foods has almost 9,000 employees and operates 97 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

This location is actually a little closer to me so I may be able to shop there every once in a while when I am in Cary. What do you think? Will you be shopping at this newest Publix location?