Winn-Dixie to Close 114 Stores, Cut 11,000 Jobs

Supermarket giant Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. said it will cut 11,000 jobs and close 114 money-losing stores, some factories and other facilities. The cuts will eliminate 8% of 132,000 positions in the Jacksonville, Fla.-based chain, which operates stores in 14 states, mostly in the Southeast. The restructuring will also include management consolidation, the company said, beginning with the retirements of 10 vice presidents. The chain has focused in the last five years on building and remodeling more than 900 stores, primarily under the Winn-Dixie Marketplace banner. Twenty-two company-owned factories produce or process snacks, soft drinks, detergent, grocery bags and many other products. Winn-Dixie shares fell 75 cents to close at $18.31 on the New York Stock Exchange.