Publix, a Florida-based grocer with a cult-like following in the south, has hired a local broker and appears to ready to enter the D.C. market.
The company had a booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Mid-Atlantic Dealmaking and Conference event last week at National Harbor. It was the first time Publix has had a presence at the event, which connects landlords with potential retailers.
Publix spokeswoman Kim Reynolds confirmed the chain is looking to open stores throughout Virginia, including in Northern Virginia, although she said could not speak to the District or other parts of the Washington region specifically.
The company’s presence at the expo created quite a buzz, with attendees saying its booth was mobbed for much of the day. Publix held several meetings with brokers and other conference goers.
The company has hired Sam Hodges of KLNB Retail to represent it locally.
Publix has been creeping closer and closer to Washington: It has been growing in North Carolina…