A Publix proposed for Venetia Groves

A new Publix has been on the drawing board for Venetia Groves for quite awhile.   Publix Supermarkets Inc. bought the land in April 2007 and in similar fashion to Walmart plans to build when market conditions make the venture worthwhile. These two indirect competitors have jockeyed for position to discourage direct competitors, such as Whole Foods and Target respectively, from setting up shop in the city. However, it will be their unique competitive advantage that will make the difference.  Publix with its superior customer service and higher-end product selection is in a singular market position allowing it to rightfully claim "where shopping is a pleasure." Conversely, Walmart with its "every day low prices" will continue to compete using that strategy though the claim is subject to debate given its recent bouts with inventory shortages and a 2011 Stanford University Research Study. According to a recent Bloomberg.com article customers are fleeing Walmart for Target and Costco in droves as shelves go empty.

The 39,000 square foot Publix store will be maller than other Publix stores in the city though it will feature a pharmacy with a drive-thru similar to the one at Oasis plaza. The site plan provided further below illustrates entrances and exit to the site from Palm Drive directly from the east bound lane, an entrance and exit from the Valencia Gardens Drive and an entrance and exit from Tennessee Rd (SW 167th Ave).  I don't see how the entrance and exit onto Palm Drive directly is going to work. The roundabout already makes that area a traffic challenge without having to add more complexity with this entrance/exit.  On the bright side, there's a traffic light on SW 167th Ave that will ease traffic congestion in and out of the Publix parking lot.

The future looks bright for these two companies as a renewed interest in residential construction in the city. This may soon prompt Publix to break ground at Venetia Groves and Walmart at the Airbase location.  We will keep you posted on any further development.

Historical Trivia: Venetia Groves used to be called Valencia Gardens during the platting process and it was renamed during the building phase, hence why the road still holds the previous namesake.

Reference Links:
http://keysgate.blogspot.com/2007/02/another-publix-on-palm-dr.html

http://egvsys.miamidade.gov:1608/wwwserv/ggvt/txcaw01.dia?folio=1079290010050

http://local.cityofhomestead.com/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=17635&dbid=0#