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TIFTON, GA --
Publix has opened a new store in Tifton, bringing along much needed jobs.

The addition of store is bringing 130 new jobs to the area.

Publix is a privately owned company that offers its employees the opportunity to grow within the company.

Tifton Mayor J. G. Cater Jr. said, "Having a Publix in your community, especially a community of our size, we got about 18 thousand, certainly brings on other business, and that's what happened, there's been a chain reaction"

That chain reaction is already underway as right next door to the Publix there is a TJ Maxx that is under construction.

Publix and the City of Tifton have been in negotiations since 2005 to get the chain to Tifton.

Customers in the store were happy for the opening since they now no longer need to drive to Valdosta or Albany to shop.