Publix finds home in North Carolina

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix is entering the North Carolina market.

The company said its first store, which will be part of a new division based in Charlotte, will be located in Ballantyne, N.C., and has tentative plans to open in 2014. Publix said it is looking ahead to continued growth within North Carolina, along with its current operating areas of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

"Our customers and associates have long asked us to come to North Carolina," Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw said. "We look forward to providing the Charlotte community with the high quality service and products that our customers have come to expect and that have earned us recognition throughout the industry. I am proud of our associate owners for their commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations, which has allowed Publix to continue to grow in new markets."