Longtime Phenix City Piggly Wiggly to Close After Nearly 40 Years Amid Broader Retail Shifts

The beloved Piggly Wiggly grocery store on 13th Street in Phenix City is set to close its doors after serving the community for nearly four decades. This significant event not only marks the end of an era for local residents but also reflects wider economic and retail transformations impacting the region and beyond.

A Community Landmark Comes to an End

Since opening in the early 1980s, the Piggly Wiggly at Phenix City Plaza has been more than just a supermarket—it has been a cornerstone of neighborhood stability, familiarity, and community identity. Known for its friendly staff, convenient location, and affordable prices, it has supported multiple generations of families, seniors, and workers. Its presence fostered a sense of continuity and local character that residents deeply cherish.

The impending closure carries profound implications:

• Food Access Challenges: For residents with limited transportation, the loss of this local grocery heightens fears of worsening food deserts and reduced access to fresh, affordable produce.
• Employment Impact: Many employees, some with over 20 years of service, face uncertain futures, adding economic hardship and emotional strain to their households.
• Community Nostalgia: Longtime residents express heartfelt nostalgia, recalling the store as a vital part of their lives and local identity.

Recent Developments and Broader Context

The closure occurs amid a shifting retail landscape characterized by economic pressures, changing consumer habits, and urban redevelopment efforts. The City of Phenix City is actively planning to revamp the Crawford Road & 13th Street corridor—a project aimed at balancing community needs with sustainable growth.

Key Planning and Community Engagement

• Public Meeting Scheduled for February 24, 2026: As part of the Crawford Road & 13th Street Corridor Planning Project, residents will have the opportunity to share ideas on future development, including options such as mixed-use developments, retail revitalization, and public spaces.
• City Communications: An update issued on February 9, 2026, from the City Administrator emphasizes ongoing efforts to involve the community in shaping the corridor’s future, underscoring the importance of resident input.

City Council Discussions and Support Measures

On February 18, 2026, city officials held a council meeting where they discussed zoning adjustments, support programs for displaced workers, and potential funding sources. These initiatives aim to facilitate a smooth transition, promote sustainable development, and prioritize community interests.

Broader Retail Trends: The Case of Del Taco

Adding complexity to the regional retail scene, recent developments involving Del Taco—a regional fast-food chain—highlight the sector’s volatility:

• Initial Closures: Del Taco recently closed its locations on Hamilton Road in Columbus and Highway 280 in Phenix City, signaling struggles within the regional fast-food industry.
• Potential Re-Entry: However, emerging reports suggest that Del Taco is exploring plans to reopen its Columbus and Phenix City outlets. This move could indicate a strategic repositioning to capitalize on renewed regional demand and stabilize its presence.

According to recent articles titled "Del Taco explores plans to reopen Columbus and Phenix City locations," the company is in early development stages, aiming to re-establish its footprint in these markets. This development underscores the adaptability of regional chains amid economic shifts.

Broader Grocery Industry Trends

The closure of the Phenix City Piggly Wiggly is part of a larger pattern affecting grocery stores nationwide. Recent reports reveal that Kroger plans to shutter 60 stores over the coming year, citing declining sales and increased operational costs, particularly in a competitive retail environment. These closures reflect broader economic pressures impacting small and regional grocery chains, and have led to a reevaluation of store viability in many communities.

Community Reactions and Strategic Responses

Residents’ responses are mixed—while many mourn the loss of a neighborhood staple, others see an opportunity for renewal:

• Nostalgia and Loss: Many remember the store as a defining part of their lives, emphasizing its role in shaping community identity.
• Concerns About Food Security and Employment: There is widespread worry about increased food insecurity, especially among vulnerable populations, and the economic impact on displaced workers.
• Optimism for Renewal: Some community members envision new businesses, community centers, or cooperative markets that better serve local needs.

Strategic Actions Under Consideration

City leaders and local organizations are actively exploring solutions, including:

• Redevelopment Projects: Plans for small retail outlets, farmers markets, food cooperatives, or mixed-use developments that integrate residential and commercial spaces.
• Support for Displaced Workers: Initiatives such as job fairs, retraining programs, and career counseling are being considered to assist employees transitioning into new opportunities.
• Enhancing Food Access: Innovative approaches like mobile markets, partnerships with regional grocery chains, and community food programs aim to mitigate the impact of the store’s closure.

Next Steps and Community Involvement

The public meeting scheduled for February 24 will be crucial in shaping the neighborhood’s future. Residents are encouraged to share their ideas and priorities to influence redevelopment plans. Meanwhile, ongoing discussions at the City Council—particularly the February 18 session—will determine zoning policies, funding allocations, and support measures for displaced workers.

Community participation and resilience are vital to turning this challenge into an opportunity for sustainable, inclusive growth. The goal is to develop a revitalized corridor that respects the neighborhood’s history while embracing innovative solutions to meet future demands.

Current Status and Outlook

While the closure of the Piggly Wiggly signifies the end of an era, it also presents a unique opportunity for community-led renewal. The city’s transparent engagement efforts—through scheduled public input sessions and active council discussions—demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that redevelopment benefits all residents, especially those most affected.

In the coming months, collaborative efforts between residents, local officials, and potential investors will be key. The focus will be on creating a neighborhood that balances preservation with innovation, fostering economic resilience, and improving quality of life.

Monitoring the outcomes of the upcoming public meeting, council decisions, and the potential reopening of Del Taco will provide further insights into how Phenix City navigates this period of change. Though challenging, this transition offers a chance to craft a more vibrant, equitable, and resilient community for generations to come.