So I am upset to see a large business close and leave an empty building and the loss of jobs for the people employed at the store itself. On the other hand, I can see why it is happening. When the store was under previous owners (Albertsons) it was on the rundown side and not someplace you wanted to shop. As Sweetbay took over, they updated the produce and fresh goods area, but left the stacks half of the store the same ugly and uninviting feel. I confess I shop at Publix because the store seems cleaner and more inviting. Yes the prices are a little higher at Publix, but they always seem a step above Sweetbay to me. Hope something moves into the building soon because a big empty store will do nothing for the other places in that strip.

What would you all like to see go into these spots?

Sweetbay was bought out by Krogers.

I agree with Katy's first message....sad that it's affecting so many jobs, but I never liked shopping at any Sweet Bay. They always seemed empty and had very few bargains. I love Publix too.....have great bogo specials and mark downs and a great selection. Publix is a quality store and Sweet Bay wasn't!

It's a very competitive field. Sweetbay was up against Publix, not so much Walmart. However, Publix - "where shopping is a pleasure" - knows that they can charge higher prices, to cover the nicer overhead. Sweetbay, on the other hand, was just a marginally cleaner Kash-n-Karry. I used the one at Gunn & Casey as a convenience only. For nearly sixteen years I've driven past it to hit the Publix at Anderson & Gunn. I hate that those employees are losing their positions, but I would think that another grocery store would probably use those spaces. And the reaons Publix succeeds is because there are still people who consider the experience of shopping, not just price (e.g. WalMart).