For some people, grocery shopping is a chore done out of necessity. For others, it’s an experience that has become almost like a therapeutic ritual, a place to explore new foods, hunt for the best deals, and even reminisce over a nostalgic weekly family routine from childhood.

This might be why losing a favorite grocery store can feel surprisingly personal. When a beloved location shuts down, especially at a time when food prices are stretching household budgets, finding a new place that offers the same sense of comfort and excitement can feel discouraging.

Founded in 1930 in Florida, Publix has long been that place for many shoppers. The grocery chain operates over 1,400 stores across eight Southeast states, making it the largest employee-owned company in the U.S., with more than 260,000 workers, according to its website.

Although Publix is a supermarket, it has built a loyal fan base. Its friendly customer service, Southern hospitality, popular BOGO deals, and famous Pub Subs from the deli section have helped the chain become more than a typical grocery store.

But even renowned names sometimes face difficult business decisions.

Publix to close two Atlanta stores

Publix confirmed to TheStreet that it will permanently close two stores in the Atlanta, Georgia, area on December 27, 2025, including one in Atlantic Station and another in Shallowford Exchange.

Although the shutdowns will occur only two days after Christmas, employees were informed of the decision on December 3. Publix stated it will offer impacted workers positions at nearby stores, claiming that in its 95-year history, it has never had a layoff.

The company didn’t provide a specific reason for the closures or how many employees will be affected, but cited a “number of factors” as contributors to the “difficult” decision.

Publix stores closing

  • Publix Atlantic Station:1380 Atlantic Dr. NW Ste. 14135
  • Publix Shallowford Exchange:2562 Shallowford Rd. NE

While these closures may disrupt the routines of regular shoppers, Publix maintains a strong presence in Atlanta, with approximately 222 stores in the area, including several alternatives within a three-mile radius of each closing location.

Publix nearby locations

  • Stores near Publix Atlantic Station
    Publix The Plaza Midtown: 950 W. Peachtree St. NW

    1 mile

    Publix Howell Mill Village: 2020 Howell Mill Rd. NW Ste. A

    1.5 miles

    Publix Ansley Mall: 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE

    1.6 miles

    Publix at Piedmont: 595 Piedmont Ave NE

    1.8 miles

    Publix Peachtree Battle Shopping Center: 2365 Peachtree Rd NE

    2 miles

  • Stores near Publix Shallowford Exchange
    Publix Briarcliff Village Shopping Center: 2162 Henderson Mill Rd. NE

    2 miles

    Publix Town Brookhaven: 104 Town Blvd. Ste. A100

    2.7 miles

    Publix Chamblee Plaza: 5534 Peachtree Blvd.

    2.8 miles

    Source: Publix Store Locator

Publix will close two Atlanta-area stores days after Christmas.

Shutterstock

Nationwide grocery store closures

Many retailers are downsizing or consolidating operations across the U.S. due to economic uncertainty, shifting consumer habits, and trade pressures. At the same time, recent changes to SNAP eligibility have affected millions of households, increasing concerns of food insecurity.

Despite these challenges, Publix appears financially stable. In the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the company reported a 5.2% year-over-year increase in sales, reaching $15.4 billion.

More Store Closures:

  • 43-year-old grocery chain to close stores less than a year after opening
  • Kroger announces more closures and cuts ahead of the holidays
  • 100-year-old grocery chain’s stores acquired by rival after closures

Still, the rise of online shopping continues to reshape consumer habits and the overall retail landscape, causing many companies to close physical locations and focus on e-commerce.

According to Capital One Shopping, U.S. online grocery sales increased 104% during the Covid pandemic and are projected to grow 12.3% annually through 2029. In 2025, more than 148 million Americans, nearly 52% of the population, are expected to buy groceries online.

“It is important to recognize that despite the many store closures in recent times, retail is not dying, but evolving. Therefore, it is essential that businesses constantly adapt and react to the market,” Amazon accountants Archimedia Accounts told Wealth & Finance International.

“Store closures themselves don’t always need to signal a ‘downfall’ or an ‘end,’ sometimes they can signify a key step toward financial recovery and a shift in focus on areas such as e-commerce.”

The number of U.S. store closures is expected to reach 15,000 in 2025, more than double the 7,325 closures recorded in 2024, according to Coresight Research.

“The widespread closures of physical retail stores in the digital age significantly impact business outcomes, urban communities, and regional economies,” said industry experts at ScienceDirect.

“Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for retailers, policymakers, and society at large.”

Other grocery chains closing stores:

  • Kroger (KR): Closing 60 underperforming stores and 10 fulfillment centers by the end of 2026.
  • Walmart (WMT): Closing 11 underperforming stores across five states.
  • Stop & Shop (ADRNY): Closed over 30 underperforming stores in 2024 and seven warerooms in 2025.
    Source: Ahold Delhaize
  • Winn-Dixie: Parent company Southeastern Grocers plans to sell 32 Winn-Dixie stores and eight Harveys Supermarket across four states as it prepares to rebrand as The Winn-Dixie Company in early 2026.
  • Homeland Acquisitions Corp:Closed five supermarkets under its Homeland, United Supermarket, Piggly Wiggly, and Discount Foods banners across Oklahoma and Georgia.

Related: 100-year-old grocery chain closes all stores in several states