According to data from Publix Super Markets 2017 annual report, the grocery chain now own 31.8 percent of its stores. The number is an increase from 29.1 percent of the self owned properties in 2016. The Lakeland-based firm plans to spend $1.53 billion in 2018 to remodel existing stores, build new ones, acquire shopping centers where its stores are anchor tenants, and improve store technology. Publix has increased the percentage of company-owned stores it operates for 11 consecutive years, starting in 2007, when the company owned 11.2 percent of its stores and leased the rest. The grocer also reported a 6.6 percent profit margin on sales of $34.6 billion.
