A new look for Winn-Dixie

[soxfan]

After reading everyones comments on here, I had to try this place again. I have been there several times before the renovation, and I would not let my wife and kids go in there. I would drive to Riverside when we needed something. My trip there yesterday has changed my mind totally.. The store looks 10 times better than it used to. The inside was actually clean. The staff was very friendly. The only people the checkout ladies were talking to was the customers. They still have some renovations going on inside, but it's not an inconvenience. The glass on the front of the store does look cool!!! I will start using the store more often now.

[Jason]

There isn't a better spot to pick up all your tailgating supplies on game day either.

[RiversideGator]

Another improvement which really helps the experience both at the store and in downtown at large is they have added in a nice fence which prevents people from just wandering around onto and off of the property and they have an electronic system which prevents the grocery carts from rolling if you try and take them off the premises.  So, I hardly ever see stolen grocery carts around downtown anymore.

[Driven1]

and they have an electronic system which prevents the grocery carts from rolling if you try and take them off the premises.  So, I hardly ever see stolen grocery carts around downtown anymore.

a sign of the times.  so sad.  i remember when you used to be able to just take your shopping cart all the way to your house and use it again the next time you are ready to go grocery shopping (or needed to transport your kids to your aunt's house). 

[Downtown Dweller]

or steal a neighborhood blind in the middle of the night.... now it is so hard, having to jerry-rigg a stolen Shands wheelchair to get those potted plants home.

[RiversideGator]

and they have an electronic system which prevents the grocery carts from rolling if you try and take them off the premises.  So, I hardly ever see stolen grocery carts around downtown anymore.

a sign of the times.  so sad.  i remember when you used to be able to just take your shopping cart all the way to your house and use it again the next time you are ready to go grocery shopping (or needed to transport your kids to your aunt's house). 

This used to be known as petty theft.   

[Seraphs]

This past friday was my first visit since the renovation.  I was impressed with the way the store looked and the employees were friendly and doing their job.  Nevertheless, I was bombarded three times outside of the store for change. 

The customers I saw were from just about every economic scale.  I feel the store is moving in the right direction.  I will definitely shop there again.

[fsujax]

Well, I went to the store tonight to buy all my fathers day food supplies.  There was an older gentleman who greeted me at the door, he was very friendly. I found everything I needed. Overall, the experience was not bad. It will be nice when they are fnished with the renovation.  I wasn't hit up in the parking lot money or anything.

[soxfan]

Until they started posting a security guard outside, I would get hit up for change at the Riverside Publix too. So that's nothing new. I don't get why the hired cop at W/D doesn't run the panhandlers off. Isn't that what he's there for? Aside from the shoplifters and purse snatchers and all around bad guys?

[Driven1]

I don't get why the hired cop at W/D doesn't run the panhandlers off. Isn't that what he's there for? Aside from the shoplifters and purse snatchers and all around bad guys?

probably the same reason the hospital security staff at Shands lets the drunk bums hang out in the patient family waiting areas and even sleep there overnight.  cahoots.

[urbanpearl]

If you want Winn Dixie to cater to you, then you have to shop there.  Obviously they did this huge renovation to attract people with money too, not vagrants.  They have worked hard to make the shopping experience a much better quality.  Don't forget its a downtown supermarket, so it will most likely always be a mix of people, thats city livin.  I am really happy its there for convenience and I will start shopping there full time.  We Springfield residents need a good supermarket, and obviously Publix isn't interested or they would be here.  SHOP WINN DIXIE and be a part of helping it make the transition, don't just go once and think its not for you, make a commitment to MAKE Winn Dixie cater to us.  If you don't see an item you normally buy, let the manager know.  They have now done their part, now its up to us to promote it and shop there.


Its also crucial to give your feedback to the Manager and Winn Dixie home office.  If you notice something that should be changed, let them know.  I for one have an issue with most of the check out cashiers, they never say hello or good bye, thank you, etc.  The Management needs to be on top of quality standards like that, because its all part of the experience.  People want to feel welcome, not treated like animal stock.

[civil42806]

"There used to be empty beer cans hidden all over the store and in the bathroom. It is amazing how the quality of a store can differ depending on where it is. "  I read comments like this and am constantly amazed by them.  Gosh, the quality of store can vary on where it is.  Comming up next on breaking news, Water is wet

[zoo]

Yep, gave it a try again, too. Went there last eve. Fencing around parking lot improves look of it, but still needs to have an employee out with a "nifty nabber" picking up after folks who aren't sure what a garbage can is for.

New entrance is a big improvement as is the produce department, deli (still in works), and general reorganization of store merchandise. I'd guess there was an employee per aisle moving/re-stocking goods (hoping some new ones for new customers, too). It was crowded at check out, even though there were 2 employees per check-out lane. Still a bit too much chatting amongst themselves, but at least it was clean chatter.

Still needs a good wine section -- it is getting better, but I didn't buy any. Needs two express lanes with good signage/enforcement. Get rid of or improve the lotto/cigarette desk, and it's almost totally acceptable.

Thanks for trying Winn-Dixie!! Keep it up, and you'll become our preferred store.

[Springfield Girl]

I have found the store to be much better lately and will continue to support it even though I was a die hard Publix patron. The issue of rude and lazy help is not just a Downtown, or even urban problem. It is found just about everywhere now and is irritating to no end. I don't know how people can talk all day about nothing and not go insane.

[Driven1]

I don't know how people can talk all day about nothing and not go insane.

lol SG!  i think that the talking all day about nothing is actually a SYMPTOM of a mild form of insanity.