NEW YORK — While big-box mass merchants are experimenting with smaller formats, a number of supermarket chains are achieving success with enhancements to their standard f­ormats.

While big-box mass merchants are experimenting with smaller formats, a number of supermarket chains are achieving success with enhancements to their standard f­ormats.

Two recent examples are a renovated Miami location for Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. and a major expansion and remodel of Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.’s store in Chelmsford, Mass.

The Winn-Dixie store is the seventh to receive what the company describes as its “transformational” remodel package, and it is the first to have bilingual décor, with signage in Spanish as well as English. Other major upgrades to the store include a new exterior design with an entrance that leads directly into an expanded produce department.

A new store layout leads customers from produce to a redesigned and relocated deli/bakery offering a host of freshly prepared hot food selections that include a wood-burning rotisserie and carving station, a custom sandwich and sub shop, made-to-order pastas and pizza, fried chicken, and a barbecue bar, among others. The expanded bakery includes a large selection of specialty desserts, pastries and made-to-order cakes as well as freshly baked bread.

Meat, seafood and wine departments have also been expanded, and additional specialty features include a sushi chef and a cheese specialist.

The main components of the transformational remodel first debuted in February 2010 at a store in Covington, La., which was the first ground-up Winn-Dixie to open since the company had gone into bankruptcy in 2005. But the renovated Miami unit also reflects the chain’s efforts to tailor its store assortments to different customer segments, which it has defined as affluent, kosher, resort, urban and Hispanic.

In addition to Spanish-language signage, for instance, the Miami store features a full-service Cuban café.

"This store exemplifies our commitment to South Florida guests and serves as a one-stop grocery destination catering to the needs, tastes and preferences of the surrounding community," remarked Randy Rambo, Winn-Dixie regional vice president.

The new Stop & Shop in Chelmsford, Mass., meanwhile, represents the ongoing evolution and refinement of the chain’s prototype. For starters, the expansion nearly doubled the footprint, from 38,500 square feet to 72,000 square feet.

Like the remodeled Winn-Dixie outlet, the new Stop & Shop features larger and upgraded perishables departments, such as an expanded produce department offering more than 1,200 items; a prepared food and full-service deli with fried and rotisserie chicken; a full-service expanded bakery; a salad bar; a sushi bar; and over 250 varieties of cheese.

The store also offers more than 4,500 natural products, with about 650 natural and organic items showcased in Nature’s Promise Marketplace, a proprietary department featured in Stop & Shop and its sister chains Giant Food of Landover, Md., and Carlisle, Pa.-based Giant Food Stores. All are part of Ahold USA, which is headquartered in Carlisle.

Additionally, two designated checkout lanes are merchandised with “better for you” snacks and beverages, family-friendly magazines and travel-size items.

"We are constantly seeking ways to improve the customer’s overall shopping experience each time we open a Stop & Shop store," says Mark McGowan, president of Stop & Shop’s New England Division. "This new Chelmsford Stop & Shop is a leader when it comes to providing the breadth of selection and options for our customers. Our aim is to not only help simplify their shopping experience — allowing customers to shop the way they prefer — but make it truly enjoyable as well."

To deliver on that promise, the Chelmsford Stop & Shop provides some new amenities, including an in-store nutritionist; The Tree House, a supervised child play area; and curbside pickup. In addition, customers can take advantage of Scan It! Mobile, billed as a first-of-its-kind mobile app that allows customers to use their personal mobile devices to shop, scan and keep track of their total.