Publix creating their own version of Trader Joe's?

In the quickly changing world of organic / health food stores, it seems Publix, the largest conventional grocery retailer in the southeast, has decided to enter the fray. According to Business Week, Publix is opening a series of GreenWise stores with private label products and convenience foods, not unlike Trader Joe's.

Zac Bissonnette, over at BloggingStocks--a site I have been enjoying recently, notes the apparent similarity in approach, and suggests, "If Publix can come close to creating the Trader Joe's atmosphere, Whole Foods better look out."

A particularly entertaining quote in the Business Week article from a Mintel International Group market research analyst, Marcia Mogelonsky, appears to take a not so subtle jab at Whole Foods (commonly known as 'Whole Paycheck' to those unimpressed by their prices): "Prices really draw in consumers. Most consumers can't go out and spend their whole paycheck on natural products."

Publix appears to be testing the waters in Florida with one 39,000 square-foot store opening in Palm Beach Gardens and plans for at least 3 more in the works.

Whole Foods might not be the only one who should be worried. Might I suggest to Trader Joe's that you make your entrance into the Middle Tennessee market before GreenWise gets here? We're desperate for you now. We may not feel so forlorn if we have other options.