A new look for Winn-Dixie

[Johnny]

Strange, all this talk about negative experiences, I haven't had them. We still normally shop elsewhere, but are getting closer to becoming regulars as the store is remodeled. The reason for that and only problem we've had is there is usually only like 2 cashiers with 20 customers. The wait time at the register was horrendous.

There was someone that shop lifted while I was there last time, he ran out of the store after grabbing a carton of cigarettes from behind the counter. The manager was trying to get the cop that was apparently walking around on his cell phone and not listening to the overhead speakers calling for him. They finally after what seemed like forever, flagged him down and told him (he was still on his phone), then he and the manager ran out of the store. By that time, there was no one in site, but various customers were pointing them in the right direction. Once, the JSO annex is there, maybe that will not be an issue either.

By the way, I believe the store manager is a former UFC/Pride fighter. Or atleast, that is the rumor.

[thebrokenforum]

I'm interested in seeing how the store has changed. I used to deliver beer there years ago and it was my least favorite place to deliver to because of what everyone else has already mentioned. It was the only store on my route that had an enormous amount of stolen beer and left over trash. 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.

[RiversideGator]

I frequently visit this store to buy supplies for my office and I can report that it is now FAR better than how it had been.  Before, it was just filthy with filthy clientele to match.  Now, the store is clean, looks new and is designed better.  Some of the same old clientele is still there but these people live in East Springfield (or the Eastside) and to a lesser extent in unrehabbed homes in Springfield.  Also, there are a few bums there on occasions.  Remember though that there is always a JSO cop present and that these people are really harmful only to themselves.  So, I would recommend it to anyone.

Oh and the manager is a former ultimate fighter although he is a real nice guy.  If you want the store to stock something in particular, it is always best to mention it to the manager and he will try to stock it if there is enough demand.

[brainstormer]

These great comments have sparked my curiousity.  I just may have to check it out and see for myself.  It sounds like their somewhat new manager is doing a decent job.  Good management can make a huge difference.

[Downtown Dweller]

After reading the posts here, I had to go check this place out again. I was very pleasantly surprised when coming in, no more truck bombing barricades to get in or out the doors and lots of light in the entry now. I must admit the new façade reminds me of an old 70’s style stores. The produce department is like a night a day, I even found a few organic veggies. The bakery is pretty good too. The store overall is cleaner, brighter, and that strange I haven’t been washed in two decades smell is gone. I only needed three items, which took about six minutes to gather up while looking around the store. When I got to the check outs I noticed something amazing, there were about five staffed checkouts! I got into a line with one person, items on the belt in front me. At this point I am thinking, wow maybe this place really has changed, but another five minutes passes and I realize it is all a pipedream. The lady in front of me had like ten items, of course her daughter kept bringing more and more up as she was checking out. Our clerk, though nice enough had an on-going conversation with the other clerks working AND the manager on duty. Now they are pretty spread out so they are all yelling back and forth at each other. I must admit this was pretty bad, but the four “N-bombs” they dropped were bad but the three “F” were even worse. Why spend all that money to fix the place up and then keep staff like this? The manager (not Juan) and the head clerk or whatever was doing the cash and yelling to the clerks to leave their customers to walk to the customer service desk to get cash for their drawer! Plus when I got home my Activia was OPEN and someone had been digging into it!

On the flip side I stopped at the market at 3rd and Market (Shop and Save) and picked up the few items that Winn-Dixie didn’t have. Now these people were VERY polite, professional, and quick…night and day, and they REALLY are in our neighborhood.

[thelakelander]

You should report your experience to the store manager.  That's the only way situations like this will be resolved.

[fsujax]

I go to the Shop and Save at 3rd and Market all the time.  The people who own it are very nice indeed!

[Downtown Dweller]

You should report your experience to the store manager.  That's the only way situations like this will be resolved.

Well since there was an assistant manager and clerk supervisor there, participating, I would think this would make no difference?

[thelakelander]

From my Winn-Dixie experience, it can make a difference.

[Driven1]

i think these stupid antics should be videotaped.  would make a great MJ piece.

[RiversideGator]

Assistant managers and cashiers can be fired.  Report them.  That is the way to bring about change.

[JaxByDefault]

I also want to say that the change at this location has been tremendous in both service and selection. A few months ago, I left pissed off because they did not have jalapenos--hardly an exotic item. Now the produce section has been greatly expanded--they have five types of eggplant! They now have an organic produce section and a fish counter. The checkout process is faster and friendler, too.

The managers are great. They really want to serve Springfield, downtown workers, etc. Just ask for something and they'll get.

[GatorDone]

I see the cop car is still a main fixture.

[midnightblackrx]

I'm all for convenience but when I walk in there and there are at least 5 people waiting in each of the lines I turn ans walk out.  It's faster to drive to the Publix in Riverside or on Atlantic. 

[RiversideGator]

It is faster to drive several miles through traffic than to wait for 5 people to go through check out?   

BTW, I visited this Winn-Dixie again tonight and can report that it was a good experience.  The renovation is almost totally complete and it looks great.  There were no long lines and everyone was friendly.  No cursing or foul mannered customers either.  Actually, it looked like a more upscale crowd than I have ever seen.  And, I really like the new entrance with all the glass which allows you to see the skyline while at the checkout.  Again, I recommend it for anyone.