Fort Myers residents are eagerly anticipating the grand opening of the Publix Super Market At First Street Village, set to revolutionize grocery shopping for the neighborhood. For residents like 93-year-old June Johnson, this new Publix represents more than just a supermarket; it’s a newfound independence and convenience right at her doorstep.
“I don’t have to drive anymore,” Mrs. Johnson excitedly shared. “I don’t have to call my daughter to take me shopping. I am so glad all I have to do is walk across the street to shop at Publix, get my hair done, and go to a restaurant. It is wonderful.” Mrs. Johnson’s sentiments echo the anticipation of many in the Clifford Street area and beyond, who will find this Publix an invaluable addition to their daily lives.
New Publix Supermarket Opening at First Street Village in Fort Myers, Florida
The new Publix, slated to open its doors on November 1st, is part of the larger First Street Village development. This three-block project is designed to be a vibrant hub, adding 55,000 square feet of retail space and luxury townhomes to downtown Fort Myers. Alongside the 39,000-square-foot Publix, residents can look forward to a variety of other establishments, including a Starbucks, First Watch Restaurant, Dagwood Deli, a beauty salon, and dry cleaners, all within easy walking distance.
This Publix location is one of two new-style supermarkets debuting in Lee County, with the other in Cape Coral. These new stores showcase a fresh design aesthetic for Publix, moving away from the traditional strip-mall style. Shannon Patten, Publix spokeswoman, described the architectural style as “Florida-Mediterranean stucco over block,” emphasizing a more inviting and less angular appearance with burgundy and hunter green color schemes. A prominent circular customer service desk will greet customers upon entry, and the store will feature “radial shelving,” an innovative design element aimed at enhancing the shopping experience.
Artist's Rendering of Publix Super Market at First Street Village Development in Fort Myers
Radial shelving is particularly noteworthy as it integrates healthy and organic products directly into product categories, rather than isolating them in a separate section. “Instead of having our Greenwise (organic) products in a separate section, we are integrating them throughout the new stores,” Patten explained. “This way a shopper can see them next to the other products while shopping.” Despite this focus on health and organic options, Publix assures customers that their beloved bakery and other traditional departments will remain central to the store’s offerings. “We will have our fabulous decadent deserts in our bakery department,” Patten confirmed, alongside the expected fresh seafood, meats, and produce departments Publix customers rely on.
Local businesses are also optimistic about the positive impact of the new Publix. Buzz Carocci, owner of Babbaloo’s Sub & Pub, located nearby at 2150 West First St., anticipates increased foot traffic to the area. “The Publix should bring people into the area,” Carocci stated. “If the condos fill up that could be a really good thing too.”
The opening of Publix at First Street Village will coincide with the closure of the older Publix store at 3255 Cleveland Ave. on October 31st. However, the new location is conveniently located less than two miles away, ensuring a smooth transition for shoppers and employees. The approximately 130 employees from the Cleveland Avenue store will staff the new First Street Village location.
Looking ahead, the First Street Village development promises further enhancements to the area. Plans include a 98-condominium building with retail shops and indoor parking, with construction starting in December, followed by another 98-condo building six months later. The final phase of this ambitious $250 million project envisions a seven-story building with nearly 200 units, complete with amenities like bowling alleys, virtual golf, a running track, a music studio, and lounge areas. Upon full completion, First Street Village is poised to be a comprehensive community hub, featuring 360 condominiums, 100,000 square feet of restaurants and shops, and 40,000 square feet of office space, with the Publix Super Market at First Street Village serving as a cornerstone of this exciting development.
