Publix to Anchor Two New Benderson Shopping Centers on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Publix is partnering with Benderson Development to anchor two new shopping centers on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Lakeland-based grocer will serve as the primary tenant at both locations, which are part of Benderson’s ongoing retail development strategy in the region.

Publix Expands Gulf Coast Retail Presence

Benderson Development, a national real estate firm with extensive experience in retail and mixed-use projects, will develop the two shopping centers. One of the locations will be in Venice, Florida, according to Benderson Development. Details on the second location have not been disclosed, but both projects are expected to include additional retail tenants alongside Publix.

Publix has been expanding its footprint across Florida in recent years, opening new stores in growing communities and redeveloping existing locations to meet increased demand. According to Publix’s corporate website, the company operates more than 1,300 stores across the Southeast, with the majority located in Florida.

For retail developers, securing a grocery-anchored tenant like Publix provides stability and attracts other retailers. Grocery stores generate consistent traffic, benefiting surrounding tenants and increasing the overall appeal of a shopping center. This model has proven effective in suburban and high-growth markets where residents value convenience and access to everyday services.

James Moore’s real estate advisory team works with retail developers and property owners to assess project feasibility, manage cash flow, and structure deals that support long-term profitability.

Why Grocery-Anchored Retail Centers Perform Well

Grocery-anchored shopping centers have historically performed well during economic cycles because they provide essential services that consumers need regardless of broader market conditions. Unlike other retail formats that may struggle with changing consumer behavior, grocery stores maintain steady foot traffic and tenant demand.

Grocery-anchored centers maintained an average occupancy rate of 95% in 2024, outperforming other retail property types. This stability makes them attractive to investors and lenders, as the risk of vacancy and tenant turnover is lower than in other retail formats.

For Benderson Development, partnering with Publix provides a strong foundation for both projects. The company’s experience in retail development and Publix’s reputation as a high-performing tenant create favorable conditions for attracting additional retailers and securing financing.

Gulf Coast Market Dynamics

Florida’s Gulf Coast has seen steady population growth and increased demand for retail services in recent years. Communities like Venice, Sarasota, and surrounding areas have attracted retirees, relocating families, and remote workers seeking access to coastal amenities and quality of life.

Sarasota County grew by more than 10% between 2020 and 2023, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida. This growth has driven demand for housing, retail, and services, creating opportunities for developers to meet the needs of expanding communities.

For retail developers, understanding local demographics, traffic patterns, and competition is essential to site selection and project design. Grocery-anchored centers work best in locations with strong household density, convenient access, and limited direct competition.

James Moore provides tax planning and consulting services to help retail developers assess tax incentives, manage depreciation strategies, and structure projects to optimize financial performance.

What This Partnership Means for Florida’s Retail Development Sector

The announcement of two new Publix-anchored shopping centers reflects continued investment in Florida’s retail sector despite broader economic uncertainty. Retail developers remain focused on projects with strong tenant fundamentals, stable cash flow, and favorable long-term demand.

For Benderson Development, the partnership with Publix supports its strategy of developing retail centers in high-growth markets with strong demographic profiles. For Publix, the new locations expand the company’s presence in communities where demand for its stores is increasing.

As these projects move forward, they will provide insights into construction timelines, leasing activity, and tenant mix strategies. Other developers watching these projects will gain data on how grocery-anchored centers are performing in Florida’s current market environment.

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