2014-03-25

Andrew Kiel | WRHI.com
The first of what will eventually be two Publix grocery stores in Rock Hill will open its doors Wednesday morning.

The Florida-based grocer bought out several Bi-Lo stores across York County in October — with the newly revamped store on Cherry Road becoming the first to reopen under the Publix name.

“We believe competition really makes us stronger,” said Publix spokeswoman Kimberly Reynolds. “In the end, the consumer really wins.”

Work at the Cherry Road store has been underway for about five months as crews have gutted the inside, erecting new signage, displays, coolers and infrastructure. Renovations at the Herlong Avenue Publix are expected to take several months longer — with an opening date set for 2015.

“We want the look and feel to be just like a Publix and the standards that we have,” Reynolds said of the Herlong Avenue store. “In that case, we needed to tear it down and start fresh.”

Both stores will employ about 150 associates, 100 of which were local hires.

Wednesday’s grand opening will be at 7 a.m. with a 6:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting.

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