MIAMI—The grocery space just got a little more interesting. Long dominated by Publix, at least in the southeast, Amazon threw down gauntlet and bought Whole Foods.

Indeed, Amazon acquiring Whole Foods will no doubt have an effect on neighborhood grocery stores, as well as national grocery brands like Albertson's and Winn Dixie. But it may not stop there.

GlobeSt.com caught up with Sabrina Stimming, senior vice president and director of leasing at CREC, to learn more about what to expect in the grocery space. She also shares her predictions for retail in the quarter ahead in part three of this exclusive interview.

If you missed the first two parts of this series you can still read them. In part one, Stemming shared her insights into why South Florida is bucking national retail trends. In part two, she explains why the heat is on for retail developers in Miami.

GlobeSt.com: What does future competition among grocers in South Florida look like, especially with Amazon acquiring Whole Foods?

Stemming: In the grocery sector, which has been for the most part, dominated Publix, viable competitors are gaining momentum. This includes Lucky's, Aldi, Trader Joe's, Earthfare, and Walmart Neighborhood Market, which are quickly expanding throughout Florida.

Other future, and likely, entrants predicted to add to the grocer mix are Germany's Lidl and American supermarket chain Sprouts Farmers Market. As we look ahead, out-of-state grocers will continue to forge into the market, creating much needed competition.

GlobeSt.com? What are your retail predictions for the quarter ahead?

Stemming: We can safely say that retail will remain on the upswing in the short term. Holiday sales will be a major driving force determining the outcome for next year. South Florida's retail market is poised to remain strong for the next quarter.