Publix opening moved back to 2024, updates on other retailers

In less than a year, the doors of the long-awaited Publix will open to the citizens of Douglas and Coffee County. According to local officials, a new opening date has been scheduled for the national grocer, with DouglasNow also getting the latest updates for other businesses coming our way.

Local officials told DouglasNow that construction for Publix is set to be completed in late November or early December. If plans stay on schedule, the business is expected to open its doors in the early weeks of January 2024.

The opening of Publix and PetSmart was first announced in January 2022, with both businesses located in Douglas Square.

Construction for PetSmart was also delayed due to supply chain issues, but it also currently has an anticipated opening date of early summer. According to a local official, the store will likely open in early June.

Douglas residents may have also seen a sign in the vacant spot next to the new Interstate Credit Union Branch, which is also under construction, announcing the arrival of a second grocery store in Douglas. The store, ALDI, is a family-owned discount supermarket chain that has over 10,000 stores in 20 countries, according to its website. As of now, the closest ALDI to Douglas is located in Valdosta. 

Harbor Freight, a tool and equipment retailer, is also exercising "due diligence" with the city at this time. As of now, an opening date for the business has not been set.