Publix opens in Fort Mill, Indian Land

Florida-based Publix officially opened its doors today in York and Lancaster counties as the newest chain of groceries to permeate this section of South Carolina.

Publix spokeswoman Brenda Reid says the two new stores in Indian Land and Fort Mill mark a new entrance in the growing market.

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Reid says Wednesday’s grand opening has been a long awaited event for some customers.

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The two new stores in South Carolina sit at around 49,000 square feet, while Reid says a third store will open in 2014 in Ballentyne and will be larger. Reid says the York and Lancaster County stores include several new innovations — like an event planing service.

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Publix’ closest competitor is Charlotte-based Harris Teeter. Reid says that her company takes a different approach to customer service.

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Reid says each new store employs roughly 150 workers, with only a small percentage including employees who’ve moved with the company.

The Indian Land location sits along US-521 in Lancaster County while the Fort Mill location is on Gold Hill Road near Interstate 77.