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Well, it looks like we are dealing with another mystery grocer in the suburbs. And the unknown or unnamed leads to the usual giddiness that Publix could be coming to town. Let me be clear — we don’t know who the grocer is headed to Lakeland. Not saying it is Publix, but we sure don’t have any evidence that it is. And, frankly, for any online sleuth saying it is, well, that may just be wishful thinking. To set the stage, Vince Smith, the developer of Ashmont north of the Interstate 40-Canada Road junction into Lakeland, said recently that a private developer with several outparcel under contract at his mixed-use project has narrowed down a potential grocery store user to a couple of final candidates. That was all he said about its identity. No other clues. No other hints. No other names. In fact, Smith said at this point even he still doesn’t know who the possible grocery store options are. That will be determined in the coming weeks by private Florida-based developer Boos Development. Which only fuels the hope, desires, wants, and over-the-top rumors that Publix is the mystery. Never mind that there are any number of other chains out there. We’ve been through the pluses and minuses of Publix plenty of times, from the absence-makes-the-heart-grow-fonder reason to the fact that people love it because they usually go to Publix while they are on vacation, not as concerned about the money they are spending and a Gulf Coast backdrop to the store. So, could the mystery store be Hy-Vee? They inquired about a spot in Bartlett, but that never got too far down the road. What about another Trader Joe’s? That always draws attention, and with the one in Germantown always crowded, maybe it’s time to add a second store. Sprouts and Aldi’s have already set up stores along the U.S. 64 corridor in Lakeland. Kroger is on the south side of the highway from Sprouts, though not in Lakeland. But part of the clues from reporter Michael Waddell’s coverage of the meeting where Smith mentioned the grocery eliminated some possibilities such as Trader Joe’s. And Kroger. And Stepherson’s and Superlo. Another clue to all this is that the Lakeland site would have an ancillary use of a gas station. A similar connection such as the arrangement at a Kroger or Walmart. Is there a sense that any of this could be connected to a similar mystery with Union Depot in Bartlett? Developer Keith Grant mentioned the potential for a grocer in that development, and — again — couldn’t provide a name because of a non-disclosure agreement. Some research by Waddell, pointed a light on an expansion plan by Walmart. So, does that thought open the possibility of a Costco or Sam’s? But Smith said it was a national brand not in the Memphis market. So, for now, we just keep guessing. — Suburbs editor, Clay Bailey
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A mystery grocery store is looking at becoming part of the Ashmont development near Interstate 40 and Canada Road. Developers could not provide the identity but indicated it is a national chain.
By Michael Waddell
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