Fayetteville residents pleased Publix is coming to town
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Publix keeps popping up in North Carolina and now the grocery store chain has picked a spot in Fayetteville to build a store.
The grocer, which operates 11 stores in North Carolina, says a new store is going up in the old Belk building in Tallywood Shopping Center along Raeford Road.
During the past few months, there has been a growing number of vacant and store fronts for lease in this shopping center, with Belk being one of the biggest stores to leave.
While some people have protested Publix in other parts of the state, people in Fayetteville seem quite happy about the news.
The buzz in Nana's Hair Braiding salon is about a new neighbor moving in.
"I am so excited. This has been a prayer since I came here," said salon owner Nana Gogo. "I asked the Lord to send more business here."
For the past year, she's seen many of her business neighbors, in the Tallywood shopping center close up and moved out. Now she hopes that's all about to change.
"After work I can walk by there, get my food and go home," Gogo said.
Katie Lesick, an area resident, said though she bargain-shops, another higher-quality option is welcomed.
"I am a big Walmart shopper and Aldi's," Lesick said. "I do go to those places for staples, but I also like to do a lot of gluten-free cooking.
"I think it's more expensive than Walmart or Aldi's, but not as high as Fresh Market."
Fayetteville has a competitive grocery-store market, including a new Fresh Market, a Walmart, a Harris Teeter, Food Lion and more.
Still, Fort Bragg soldier Jasmine Keen, who has shopped Publix in other states, and said the store will still draw a lot of customers.
"When I first moved here, I wanted a Publix because I came from Fort Drum, and they did not have anything but a Walmart," Keen said. "I figured the further south I came, we would find a Publix, and the closest one is an hour away. This one will be 20 minutes away, and I will take that drive any day."
