Publix to acquire Lease of former Bi-Lo in Seneca

A tenant may soon be moving into the former Bi-Lo store space off Highway 130 in Seneca. Well, there is news that a super market chain has purchased the lease, tells Oconee Economic Alliance Executive Director Richard Blackwell. “I think everybody knows that Publix has been looking in the Seneca area for about two years now and for whatever reason, bad timing, and here recently with the closure of the Bi-Lo there off Highway 130, it opened up an opportunity for Publix to come in. We were made aware that they have essentially bought the lease and bought a lot of the equipment and other things, so that is a good sign. We look forward to Publix making the decision to come to our market because I think it will be well received and basically provide another opportunity on the retail front.” According to a filing from Southeastern’s bankruptcy proceedings, Publix will pay $100,000 for the lease for the site, which expires in 2021, along with fixtures, equipment, permits and licenses associated with the store; however, there has been no official word on when an opening announcement might be made for Publix at that location.