Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has announced that it will close 30 non-remodeled, under performing stores. The company will also consolidate its four operating regions into three and reduce its workforce at the field and corporate support levels.

None of the stores in Lee County however are affected, officials said.

Winn-Dixie also reaffirmed its guidance for fiscal 2010, which the company believes it achieved through effective management of its promotional activity and cost control, despite a deteriorating sales environment in the fourth quarter. Management plans to hold an investor conference call on Tuesday, August 31,to discuss its financial results for fiscal 2010 and provide guidance for fiscal 2011, including any additional information on the announcement made a few days ago.

Winn-Dixie Chairman, CEO, and President, Peter Lynch, said, “We continue to operate in a particularly difficult economic and retail environment in the Southeast. To respond to these business and economic conditions, we have thoroughly reviewed our retail operations and support structure and have decided to exit certain retail locations and reduce our corporate and field support staffs. We sincerely regret the impact this will have on some of our associates, and we will make every effort to ensure these associates can pursue other open positions or have a smooth and respectful transition.”

The Winn-Dixie in Lehigh Acres is located on Homestead Rd. in the Winn-Dixie Plaza.