Reaction to Winn-Dixie closings

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - With retail competition on the rise, Winn Dixie is trimming the fat in Palm Beach County. Nine stores are set to close by September 22nd for not meeting sales goals. This move has some customers upset.

"I just heard it from one of my friends that works there and I was in shock I couldn't believe it," said Hans Prins.

The Winn Dixie located on the corner of Lake Worth and Jog will be one of the nine locations closing in Palm Beach County. The manager at this location declined to comment.
A regional manager also had no interest in talking. A few employees said they didn't see this coming and were disappointed about losing their jobs.

Retailers in the immediate area are doing what they can to lure in potential shoppers. The Winn Dixie at the corner of Lake Worth and Jog happens to be across the street from a Wal-Mart and less than a mile from Lareina grocery store and a Target.

The Jacksonville-based grocery chain says employees can apply for other jobs in the company and those who don't get other positions will get severance pay.