General

Fresh Market wants to open in Winter Park

Groceries are groceries are groceries, right?

Well, not exactly.

These days, the grocery market is fracturing and diversifying. Budget-conscious chains, like the no-frills Aldi, are thriving, as are premium, high-end stores, like Wild Oats and Whole Foods. Middle-market chains are neither withering nor exceptionally prospering, though they do command the lion’s share of the grocery market.

What brings this all to mind is the recent news that Fresh Market might soon be occupying a portion of commercial real estate in Winter Springs.

The Seminole County Commission needs to approve site plans for the proposed location on Tuskawilla Road and Red Bug Lake Road. It is expected to take the matter up Tuesday.

Fresh Market, a “European-style” chain based in Greensboro, North Carolina, already has stores in Dr Phillips and Altamonte. Another store is under construction at Virginia Drive and Mills Avenue in downtown Orlando’s Mills Park development.

As attorneys who often work with commercial real estate developments, we find it interesting to watch how the expansion plans of certain businesses or industries unfold. Fresh Market undoubtedly has performed a lot of market research and the fact that it is now opening its fourth central Florida store means it thinks the Orlando area is ripe with potential.

If you are interested in buying, leasing or developing a parcel of commercial real estate, it would be a good idea to spend some time and careful consideration choosing whom you would like to represent you in these deals. Having competent, careful assistance can be very valuable.

Source: Orlando Sentinel, “Fresh Market to open in Winter Springs,” Sandra Pedicini, July 1, 2013

Fri Aug 24, 5:32pm