MIAMI—Publix Super Markets is making a move to buy South Florida shopping centers in which it currently leases space. Entities affiliated with Publix recently acquired Plantation Town Square and Colonial Shopping Center.

HFF director Luis Castillo, along with senior managing director Daniel Finkle and senior analyst Robert Saracco, represented the seller. Plaza Development Realty sold the assets to Publix.

“Core acquisition opportunities like these are increasingly rare but we are continuing to see very strong demand by investors for trophy retail properties across our Florida markets,” Castillo tells GlobeSt.com. “Plantation Towne Square and Colonial Shopping Center are among the most successful and highest volume grocery-anchored shopping centers in South Florida.”