Florida grocery retail market outpaces U.S.

Publix has staked out Florida’s grocery retail market for generations with iconic green signs and friendly service, but reports show the state is one of the most competitive, fastest-growing markets in the country.

Grocery retail space in Florida increased by 6 percent in 2017, whereas comparable space declined by 29 percent nationally, according to commercial real estate brokerage JLL’s 2018 Grocery Tracker report.

Over the past decade, a number of grocery stores have expanded into Tallahassee, including Lucky’s Market, Earth Fare, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. JLL says Florida ranks fifth nationally for new grocery space opened last year.

– Lauren Bankert, On 3 Public Relations