Judge Approves Reorganization Plan, as Winn-Dixie Unveils New Tweaks in Fla. Store

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. here yesterday was given a 30-day extension for filing its reorganization plan. The bankrupt retailer now has until April 19 to file the plan. In request the extension, Winn-Dixie had said that its thousands of creditors needed more time beyond the March 20 deadline.

The extension gives the company until June 21 to secure approval of the plan. Winn-Dixie said it wants to emerge from Chapter 11 reorganization this summer.

Meanwhile, in an effort to up the ante in its marketing, Winn-Dixie unveiled several new features, including a brand-new logo, at a recently renovated store in southern Florida.

Community leaders and Winn-Dixie officials were on hand on March 8 to celebrate the completion of the six-month renovation of the chain's unit in Crawfordville, a town 17 miles south of Tallahassee.

"Winn-Dixie is more than just a supermarket where you buy your groceries," said Winn-Dixie president and c.e.o. Peter Lynch, as he and community leaders snipped a ribbon of fresh flowers to officially reopen the store. "This store really serves as a community center, where our friends and neighbors gather. It is our duty to make this community center the best it can be for Crawfordville and Wakulla County."

Lynch noted the renovations dramatically changed the 48,000-square-foot store, to reflect the needs of local shoppers. He also said the store is the first to sport the chain's new logo, which features a check mark between "Winn" and "Dixie." Its new tagline is "Getting Better All the Time."

The Crawfordville store has a full-service coffee shop and soda fountain with seating. Other upgrades include a new deli with made-to-order sandwiches, a new custom meat service counter, expanded organic and kosher foods sections, an upgraded produce department, a new seasonal gift and promotional section, and an expanded full-service pharmacy and wellness station. Wakulla Bank has a full-service branch office inside the store.

Lynch also presented checks for $2,500 to R.H. Carter of the Wakulla County Senior Center and Heidi Clifton of Citizens for Humane Animal Treatment (C.H.A.T.). Following the ribbon cutting, Winn-Dixie Associates gave white and yellow carnations to everyone entering the store.
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