The Winn-Dixie at Lakewood Plaza on the 200 block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie is closing for good, with the familiar supermarket set to be remade into a new Aldi. Store workers say they have been notified about the switch, and the location has already started marking down inventory as it heads into a renovation period.
As reported by NOLA.com, employees who asked not to be named confirmed the notice and described closing signage now posted at the Lakewood Plaza store. The outlet notes Aldi plans to convert the former Winn-Dixie into one of its discount-format locations, and that company spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment.
Aldi's regional push and store conversions
The Metairie change is part of a much bigger grocery shuffle tied to Aldi's acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its plan to rebrand and convert many Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores across the Southeast. Reuters has tracked the multi-market moves, while New Orleans CityBusiness has followed earlier Aldi conversions and openings in the Metairie area. Aldi stores typically run a smaller in-store assortment than full-service supermarkets, paired with lower everyday prices.
What shoppers and workers can expect
In previous conversions, Winn-Dixie and its parent company have said store associates receive advance notice and are given the first chance to apply for roles at the newly converted locations or to receive severance if they qualify. WLOX reported that language during recent Gulf Coast transitions. For shoppers, the shift usually brings lower prices and a leaner selection, along with self-bagging at checkout, changes that can quickly reshape weekly grocery routines.
The grocery landscape across the metro is already in flux. Coverage of a big grocery win detailed a recent Rouses reopening at a former Winn-Dixie site, and NOLA.com notes the incoming Veterans Boulevard Aldi will add to the chain's growing Louisiana footprint.
There is no public timeline yet for when the Metairie Winn-Dixie will close or when the new Aldi will open. Shoppers should expect liquidation sales and exterior work once the site is vacated. This story will be updated as companies confirm dates, permits appear in public records, and an opening schedule is announced.
