Exclusive
One of the largest supermarket chains based in the Southeast is considering dropping its name after nearly 100 years … a move triggered by the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Sources at Winn-Dixie tell TMZ … the supermarket chain — billed as a southern heritage brand serving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi — is considering changing its name because, just like The Chicks, it deems the term “Dixie” as problematic due to ties to the old south and its way of thinking.
We’re told the grocery chain doesn’t have a name picked out just yet, but based on the folks we spoke with it looks like it may only be a matter of time before making a switch. If the grocery chain does make a change, it’ll come on the heels of The Chicks dropping “Dixie” from its name.
As for the official response, a Winn-Dixie spokesperson tells TMZ … “At Southeastern Grocers, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture and community that promotes belonging, inclusion and diversity. As such, we stand against racism and support the Black Lives Matter movement across our country.”
The rep went on to say, “While our Winn-Dixie banner has proudly served our communities for nearly 100 years, many things have changed during that time, and we have always been and will continue to be responsive to the needs and concerns expressed by the communities we serve.” Translation … something’s coming down the pike.