New grocery stores opening in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Attention shoppers: you now have even more places to buy groceries. This week, store director Tim Mathias welcomes customers to a brand new Lucky’s Market.

“Oh, it's been good. We've been pleased with all the folks from winter park that have been coming in,” he said.

The Colorado-based grocery chain is opening two location in Central Florida this week, including one at 7580 University Blvd. in Winter Park and another in the Hunter’s Creek Plaza at 4169 Town Center Blvd. in Orlando.

“We kind of like Central Florida,” Mathias added.

And Lucky’s Market isn't the only new grocery chain in town.  In two weeks, Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market will open a location at 1999 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park.

“It’s more competition, which is really good,” said "Savings Angel" Josh Elledge.

He said this growing trend of high-end grocery markets could actually mean big savings, if you know what to buy. 

“They want to get you in the store on some of those really great deals and then, of course, you'll fill your cart with all those items that might be at a premium price.”

What makes Lucky’s different from the other stores, they said, is their slogan of “selling to the 99 percent.”

Rollins Marketing professor Dr. Mark Johnston said that means you can get the "Whole Foods experience at the Walmart price."

“They’re targeting the kind of health conscious consumer, the consumer that's knowledgeable about cooking and wants to buy quality food.”

Mathias agrees.

“People in Central Florida really seem to appreciate and accept what Lucky’s brings, which is high quality fresh market approach with reasonable prices.”

Elledge said, even if your favorite is ALDI or you’re a loyal fan of Winn-Dixie, still shop around to save money.

“Cherry-pick some of the best deals at Publix," he said.  "I want you to go cherry-pick some of the best deals at Lucky's, Trader Joe's, whatever you have access to.”