Report: Publix may be eyeing smaller-store format

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets may be considering opening a smaller-store format, according to a report in The Gainesville Sun.

While a Publix spokesman was not available to comment, the publication reported that, according to city planning manager Ralph Hilliard, representatives from Publix met with the city’s planning staff on several occasions to discuss building a smaller-concept store on the site of a McDonald’s and a couple of adjacent lots.

Last year, The Orlando Business Journal reported that the grocer was working on a new 20,000-squre-foot concept for college towns and seaside communities. The typical Publix store ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 square feet.