Honestly, if you've spent any time on St. Simons Island, you know the grocery situation is... unique. You have the upscale "resort" markets where a head of lettuce feels like a luxury investment, and then you have the mainland trek to Brunswick. But tucked away in Retreat Village, there’s the Winn Dixie St. Simons Island. It’s the kind of place that’s been a cornerstone of island life for years, and even with all the corporate drama involving Aldi and restructuring, it’s still standing.
Some people call it "The Winn-D," others just appreciate that it’s right there on the way to the beach. It’s not a polished, high-end boutique. It’s a grocery store. It’s reliable. And in a town that’s rapidly changing, there’s something genuinely comforting about those familiar red and white aisles.
The Retreat Village Vibe: More Than Just Groceries
Location is everything. If you’re staying near the village or coming off the causeway, the Winn Dixie St. Simons Island at 220 Retreat Village is basically unavoidable. It’s situated in a spot that serves both the year-round locals and the frantic tourists who realized they forgot to pack sunscreen and beer.
What’s the actual experience like? Kinda nostalgic.
The staff here actually knows people's names. You’ll see retirees chatting with the cashiers about the weekend weather or high school kids grabbing subs before heading to the pier. It has a community pulse that the bigger, colder mainland stores often lack. Sure, the lighting might not be "Instagrammable," but the aisles are wide enough for a double stroller, and they usually have a mobility cart available for those who need it.
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The Aldi-Southeastern Grocers Shuffle
There was a lot of talk lately about what was going to happen to this location. You might’ve heard that Aldi bought out Southeastern Grocers (Winn-Dixie's parent company) a while back. For a minute, everyone on the island was wondering if our local spot was going to turn into a "bring your own bag and quarter for the cart" kind of place.
Well, things took a turn.
Early in 2026, the company rebranded as The Winn-Dixie Company after a group of investors bought back a huge chunk of stores from Aldi. The good news for us? The Winn Dixie St. Simons Island was one of the survivors. While about 30 other stores across Georgia and Alabama were sold off or closed, this specific location remains operational. It's officially part of the "core" fleet that’s getting a renewed focus on what they do best: meat and local convenience.
Why the Meat Counter Actually Matters
If you ask a local why they bother with Winn Dixie instead of just driving to the Harris Teeter or Publix, they’ll almost always mention the meat. They call themselves "The Beef People" for a reason.
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The butchers at the Retreat Village location are surprisingly old-school. If you see a roast on the shelf but want it sliced into specific steaks, they’ll usually do it right there for you. It’s a level of service that’s disappearing in the age of pre-packaged everything.
- Custom Cuts: They’ll cube meat or trim fat while you wait.
- Seafood: Being on the coast, they keep a decent stock of shrimp and seasonal catches, though it's always worth checking the "freshness date" on the tag.
- The BOGOs: Winn-Dixie's "Buy One Get One" deals are legendary for a reason. If you time it right, you can stock a freezer for half the price of the mainland competitors.
Surviving the "Island Tax"
Let's be real—everything on St. Simons costs more. It’s the "Island Tax." However, Winn Dixie St. Simons Island is often the last line of defense against skyrocketing grocery bills.
While the "Know & Love" store brand has seen some changes since the corporate restructuring, the prices generally stay lower than the boutique markets nearby. If you use the rewards app (which is a bit of a pain to set up, honestly), the savings actually add up. Pro tip: activate your "percent back" offers in the app before you get to the register. The cell service inside the back of the store can be spotty, and there’s nothing worse than holding up a line of five people while you wait for a coupon to load.
Practical Info You Actually Need
If you're heading there today, here is the "on-the-ground" data for 220 Retreat Village:
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Operating Hours: Usually 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day. It’s one of the few places on the island open late if you need a midnight snack or a gallon of milk.
Contact:
(912) 638-4805. It’s worth calling ahead if you’re looking for something specific like a custom bakery order or a specific type of floral arrangement.
Accessibility:
The store is very accessible. There is plenty of wheelchair-accessible parking and the entrance is level with the sidewalk.
What Most People Miss
The wine section is actually surprisingly robust for a standard grocery store. They carry a lot of the standard labels, but they also tuck in some decent bottles that pair perfectly with a sunset on the beach. Plus, if you're a fan of the "Lip Lickin' Chicken," that line is making a comeback in 2026, and the deli here usually has a fresh batch ready by lunchtime.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
To get the most out of your trip to Winn Dixie St. Simons Island, keep these few things in mind:
- Check the Weekly Ad: Don't walk in without looking at the flyer by the door. The BOGO deals change every Wednesday.
- The Pharmacy Factor: This location still has a functioning pharmacy, which is a lifesaver given how busy the other island pharmacies get during tourist season.
- App-Only Exclusives: Sometimes they run "mystery" coupons that only show up for rewards members. It’s worth the 30 seconds to check your phone while you're in the parking lot.
- Avoid the Rush: Monday afternoons and Friday mornings are peak "stock up" times. If you want a quiet shop, Sunday nights are usually your best bet.
Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through for a wedding at the King and Prince, the Winn Dixie St. Simons Island remains a reliable, no-nonsense part of the Golden Isles landscape. It’s not fancy, but it’s ours.