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Post by whipea on Jun 4, 2016 19:20:33 GMT
Publix has been in my life for over 50 years. Only comparison I have Grand Union, Winn Dixie, Albertsons, Target and Walmart and from traveling. I have never lived outside Publix jurisdiction, but none of these stores even come close.
Besides the previously mentioned attributes, they also have a terrific policy of hiring the developmentally and physically disabled and appear to offer many benefits to their employees. Wittnessed lots of longevity throughout the range of store employees.
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Post by Leone on Jun 4, 2016 19:36:11 GMT
Well, i just moved to Florida and Publix and Winn Dixie are my two choices. Ill have to rethink Publix as ive been twice and came away less than enthused both times. No discounts...prices seemed high. Was not aware of BOGO deals so will watch for them, second time was to fill a prescription and walked out as the pharmacy service stunk... My first month here...I had $.55 cents off per gallon of gas when we filled up at Shell because of Winn Dixies discount card.
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Post by Linda on Jun 4, 2016 19:45:38 GMT
Well, i just moved to Florida and Publix and Winn Dixie are my two choices. Ill have to rethink Publix as ive been twice and came away less than enthused both times. No discounts...prices seemed high. Was not aware of BOGO deals so will watch for them, second time was to fill a prescription and walked out as the pharmacy service stunk... My first month here...I had $.55 cents off per gallon of gas when we filled up at Shell because of Winn Dixies discount card. I used to work for Winn Dixie - Publix is a MUCH better employer...heck Walmart is a better employer than Winn Dixie ime (my son works for WM - he's currently on military leave). If I want cheap and convenient I shop WM, if I want quality, speciality items, and excellent customer service, I shop Publix. You couldn't pay me to shop Winn Dixie again -gas perks or not
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Post by hollymolly on Jun 4, 2016 20:20:30 GMT
I'll be the odd one out. I hate Publix. I come from the South (Kroger) and and the Midwest (Hyvee)--and to me, both are leaps and bounds above Publix. The seafood department is the worst ever--I go local for my seafood. I find the prices to okay but nothing to write home about. I guess if Publix is all you know, then it seems nice enough. But I miss Hyvee with passion. I do most of my grocery shopping at Target. With cartwheel, sales, and deals I save a substantial amount each trip. I get my fresh greens and meat from the farmers market. Kroger is what I'm used to around here, and what I grew up with. I like it, but I definitely don't think it's better than Publix. I miss Publix so much. My favorite things are the cuban sandwiches and the mini chocolate eclairs from the deli.
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Post by Meri-Lyn on Jun 4, 2016 20:21:58 GMT
Well, i just moved to Florida and Publix and Winn Dixie are my two choices. Ill have to rethink Publix as ive been twice and came away less than enthused both times. No discounts...prices seemed high. Was not aware of BOGO deals so will watch for them, second time was to fill a prescription and walked out as the pharmacy service stunk... My first month here...I had $.55 cents off per gallon of gas when we filled up at Shell because of Winn Dixies discount card. I used to work for Winn Dixie - Publix is a MUCH better employer...heck Walmart is a better employer than Winn Dixie ime (my son works for WM - he's currently on military leave). If I want cheap and convenient I shop WM, if I want quality, speciality items, and excellent customer service, I shop Publix. You couldn't pay me to shop Winn Dixie again -gas perks or not My sister worked for Winn Dixie. I totally agree.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2016 20:40:48 GMT
Of our very limited choices here in my part of SC, I think Publix is the best. The area Kroger is awful, and Bi-Lo is very meh (and expensive for very meh). Food Lion is beyond awful, and all the area Piggly Wigglys closed a few years ago, although Publix beat out the nearest Piggly Wigglys, too. I love Trader Joe's, and go there for certain things, but I can't get everything I want there, so I mainly shop Publix. I will go to Fresh Market or Whole Foods once in while for splurges on special things, but they're way too expensive for me to be able to shop there for everything. For me, the best things about Publix are customer service and cleanliness. I also like them for all the previously mentioned reasons: good specials and BOGOs, good bakery, deli, and meat departments, EXCELLENT store brands and the ability to ask them to order anything I can't find. Kroger back home would always do that, but not here. For all Publix fans, have you tried their Publix Brand Fudge Mint cookie squares (on the regular cracker/cookie aisle)? I think they're better than Girl Scout Thin Mints
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Post by anxiousmom on Jun 4, 2016 21:12:25 GMT
For all Publix fans, have you tried their Publix Brand Fudge Mint cookie squares (on the regular cracker/cookie aisle)? I think they're better than Girl Scout Thin Mints OMG. I bought them for the first time about a month ago. I thought 'eh, how bad can they be?' I almost exclusively buy Publix store brand for pretty much everything (it is always as good or better in some cases) so I figured why not try them. I wish I hadn't. My getting worse because I am old PMS self ate the ENTIRE bag while watching a movie. Holy chocolate mint squares are they good. So good I almost have to physically stop myself from buying them by the gross. I am a baker and it is rare that I like packaged cookies and but daggummed they are good. Like so good that if there is ever an apocalypse and I have to create a hoard stash, those cookies will be the first thing in my bag.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2016 21:26:54 GMT
For all Publix fans, have you tried their Publix Brand Fudge Mint cookie squares (on the regular cracker/cookie aisle)? I think they're better than Girl Scout Thin Mints OMG. I bought them for the first time about a month ago. I thought 'eh, how bad can they be?' I almost exclusively buy Publix store brand for pretty much everything (it is always as good or better in some cases) so I figured why not try them. I wish I hadn't. My getting worse because I am old PMS self ate the ENTIRE bag while watching a movie. Holy chocolate mint squares are they good. So good I almost have to physically stop myself from buying them by the gross. I am a baker and it is rare that I like packaged cookies and but daggummed they are good. Like so good that if there is ever an apocalypse and I have to create a hoard stash, those cookies will be the first thing in my bag. Yep, I hear ya! I usually don't like packaged cookies, but I didn't manage to find any GS Thin Mints for DH this year, so I went looking for a replacement. I did buy the Keebler Grasshoppers and the Publix mint squares to see which we liked better, and the mint squares completely blew the Keeblers out of the water. DH agreed that the Publix brand is much better, and now it's almost a sure bet that there will be at least one pkg. in the house at all times. We finally started to get a bit burned out on them in the past couple of weeks, so we're not buying them at the same furious pace
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2016 21:48:34 GMT
Anyone know what brand of cold cuts they sell? In FL they sell Boars Head. Then they also have their brand of cold cuts which are fantastic also. You can also ask to taste ANY item in the deli.
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Post by anxiousmom on Jun 4, 2016 21:49:30 GMT
OMG. I bought them for the first time about a month ago. I thought 'eh, how bad can they be?' I almost exclusively buy Publix store brand for pretty much everything (it is always as good or better in some cases) so I figured why not try them. I wish I hadn't. My getting worse because I am old PMS self ate the ENTIRE bag while watching a movie. Holy chocolate mint squares are they good. So good I almost have to physically stop myself from buying them by the gross. I am a baker and it is rare that I like packaged cookies and but daggummed they are good. Like so good that if there is ever an apocalypse and I have to create a hoard stash, those cookies will be the first thing in my bag. Yep, I hear ya! I usually don't like packaged cookies, but I didn't manage to find any GS Thin Mints for DH this year, so I went looking for a replacement. I did buy the Keebler Grasshoppers and the Publix mint squares to see which we liked better, and the mint squares completely blew the Keeblers out of the water. DH agreed that the Publix brand is much better, and now it's almost a sure bet that there will be at least one pkg. in the house at all times. We finally started to get a bit burned out on them in the past couple of weeks, so we're not buying them at the same furious pace Stick them in the freezer and you will be back to buying them like they are disappearing forever. You will either love me or hate me for the suggestion.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jun 4, 2016 21:50:39 GMT
Of our very limited choices here in my part of SC, I think Publix is the best. I'm in SC, too, and I completely agree. I do shop at Aldi's as well and generally alternate between Aldi's and Publix.
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Post by christine58 on Jun 4, 2016 21:52:01 GMT
One thing I really like about Publix is their BOGO sales. Unlike other stores in our area that charge full price for one item and the other is free, Publix charges half price for each item....if you only need one of the BOGO items, Our Wegmans does this also. @leowife You would LOVE a Wegmans!! Talk about customer service etc. Best hands down
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2016 22:17:58 GMT
Of our very limited choices here in my part of SC, I think Publix is the best. I'm in SC, too, and I completely agree. I do shop at Aldi's as well and generally alternate between Aldi's and Publix. Yes, I forgot to say that I regularly shop at Aldi for certain staples. The store is small and older, but it's pretty clean, their checkers are super speedy, and their prices on some things can't be beat
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Post by eversograceful1 on Jun 4, 2016 22:39:53 GMT
I used to work for Winn Dixie - Publix is a MUCH better employer...heck Walmart is a better employer than Winn Dixie ime (my son works for WM - he's currently on military leave). If I want cheap and convenient I shop WM, if I want quality, speciality items, and excellent customer service, I shop Publix. You couldn't pay me to shop Winn Dixie again -gas perks or not My sister worked for Winn Dixie. I totally agree. I interviewed for Winn Dixie a few years ago. It was supposed to be a 2-day interview but I kindly withdrew my application after the first couple people I interviewed with. The salary was very low and the hours were ridiculous. This was for an HR position.
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Post by littlefish on Jun 5, 2016 1:46:35 GMT
There is a strong possibility that in my last month or so of pregnancy I may have rotated between 3-4 different local Publix stores for their sub sandwiches. This may or may not have happened daily. They didn't once make fun of me for being the pregnant lady that craved Publix subs.
So I'm pretty much a loyal customer for life.
The deli counter is happy to pass along a sample slice of cheese to kids in place of the cookie at the bakery. I've seen the Apron's people cooking and giving out samples on the weekends too--probably depends on your Publix.
Every year the Saturday before Mother's Day our local store has heart shaped cakes that you can buy that the kids decorate themselves. The last 3 years DD has made a cake for me, and the employees have been amazing working with her and sending me off to shop while she works. The first year DD was about 5 and I found her with the employee in the freezer section after she had finished--DD came running towards me exclaiming "Mommy, I told her you'd be in the wine aisle!!!" (I don't even drink, so this was hilariously mortifying.) The cashiers let her pay for it, and always have packaged it up special in my reusable bag for her to carry.
Lately they've either been mailing me coupons or I'm getting them in the Sunday paper for $5 off $30 or $40 purchase. Last week someone at work put out coupons that were $10 off $50. So, no discount card but it definitely helps. Especially when I combine manufacturer's coupons with their store coupons or with BOGO deals.
I do have a Winn-Dixie discount card but I don't like the layout of their store very much so I just don't go there as much. I also will sometimes go to my local produce store to get my fruits and veggies, but still will get staples there.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2016 1:54:07 GMT
There is a strong possibility that in my last month or so of pregnancy I may have rotated between 3-4 different local Publix stores for their sub sandwiches. This may or may not have happened daily. They didn't once make fun of me for being the pregnant lady that craved Publix subs. So I'm pretty much a loyal customer for life. The deli counter is happy to pass along a sample slice of cheese to kids in place of the cookie at the bakery. I've seen the Apron's people cooking and giving out samples on the weekends too--probably depends on your Publix. Every year the Saturday before Mother's Day our local store has heart shaped cakes that you can buy that the kids decorate themselves. The last 3 years DD has made a cake for me, and the employees have been amazing working with her and sending me off to shop while she works. The first year DD was about 5 and I found her with the employee in the freezer section after she had finished-- DD came running towards me exclaiming "Mommy, I told her you'd be in the wine aisle!!!" (I don't even drink, so this was hilariously mortifying.) The cashiers let her pay for it, and always have packaged it up special in my reusable bag for her to carry. Lately they've either been mailing me coupons or I'm getting them in the Sunday paper for $5 off $30 or $40 purchase. Last week someone at work put out coupons that were $10 off $50. So, no discount card but it definitely helps. Especially when I combine manufacturer's coupons with their store coupons or with BOGO deals. I do have a Winn-Dixie discount card but I don't like the layout of their store very much so I just don't go there as much. I also will sometimes go to my local produce store to get my fruits and veggies, but still will get staples there. This is a perfect example of why I love 5 and 6 y.o.s so much! The way their brains work is fascinating and amazing!
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Post by alexa11 on Jun 5, 2016 1:54:46 GMT
Every once in a while this happens to me too and all I have had to do is go to the front desk and they will issue a rain check for the BOGO offer. I just pick up whatever I need the next time I go. But that does no good when I drink a Bolthouse farms every morning for breakfast. I don't care about BOGO, as I already pay full price anyway...I just want my breakfast smoothie OMG- those smoothies are addictive! I have one once in awhile as a treat. Love Vanilla Chai Tea and the Salted Caramel one- oh and Mocha Cappucino...
OP- Publix is great!
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Jun 5, 2016 2:04:01 GMT
Every time I go to Publix I swear I will never go again.
There are always 100 people at the checkouts doing NOTHING and one poor guy in the deli with a long line of people waiting.
I feel like they train them to be chatty. Be friendly fine.. but move the line along! UGH!
I also find they are small and don't carry everything I want/need. And the ones in Florida don't have olive bars!! (first world problems I know) but I like Olives when I go on vacation.
I love Earthfare which is a local store that is in a few states in the Southeast. They are sort of like a Whole Foods but way cheaper.
Earthfare, Aldi and Trader Joes' work for 95% of what I need.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2016 11:36:33 GMT
Thank you all.
Most definitely will have to check it out.
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Post by Meri-Lyn on Jun 5, 2016 12:16:09 GMT
Oh, I forgot! They will take competitor coupons if they are in the area. If you have a Whole Foods nearby, (within 10 miles), and you get those $15 off $75 coupons, they will take them.
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Post by anxiousmom on Jun 5, 2016 12:20:25 GMT
Oh, I forgot! They will take competitor coupons if they are in the area. If you have a Whole Foods nearby, (within 10 miles), and you get those $15 off $75 coupons, they will take them. I have used the $5 off $30 from Target too. As long as the coupon is for 'groceries' my Publix will take it. So far, they have taken pretty much every coupon I have thrown at them.
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janeliz
Drama Llama
I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
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Post by janeliz on Jun 5, 2016 12:54:20 GMT
I divide my time between Publix and Kroger. I agree that the Publix stores offer clean surroundings, friendly (mostly) employees, great delis and bakeries, and I love the BOGOs. I do prefer our Kroger's produce---my Publix has a lousy selection of produce and one produce guy who is, quite frankly, a total asshole. Also, I will go to Kroger on days when I'm not in the mood to have a 20 minute conversation with the Publix bag boy about movies. Nice guy, but a bit of a talker.
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Post by bigbundt on Jun 5, 2016 13:15:14 GMT
It is okay, very expensive compared to other stores in my area. That might be because I haven't bothered to learn their sales cycles like Harris Teeter. My husband picked up ribs from there a few weeks ago and the price was the same as the high end butcher down the road. Their bakery is very good for specialty items but overpriced for normal baked goods. I ordered my daughter's birthday cupcakes (1.5 dozen) and a small 6" cake there last year and was surprised it was almost $50. These weren't custom either, just the normal stuff they offer in the case but I ordered to make sure I got the flavors I wanted. I wouldn't have minded paying that if they had been spectacular but they weren't. I was happier with the $15/two dozen cupcakes from Sam's this year. But the key lime pie is very, very good!
It is next door to my gym so I do pick up things here and there but again, very expensive. Harris Teeter is expensive too but I feel like I am spending a good 10-20% more at Publix for the same stuff.
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Post by Florida Cindy on Jun 5, 2016 13:20:47 GMT
Publix has been in my life for over 50 years. Only comparison I have Grand Union, Winn Dixie, Albertsons, Target and Walmart and from traveling. I have never lived outside Publix jurisdiction, but none of these stores even come close. Besides the previously mentioned attributes, they also have a terrific policy of hiring the developmentally and physically disabled and appear to offer many benefits to their employees. Wittnessed lots of longevity throughout the range of store employees. I used to be a job coach with adults who have developmental/mental/physical disabilities. Once a client is hired, they seem to be looked after by the other employees. As a job coach I would follow up with all my clients, thus going to 3-4 Publix stores per day. It was nice getting to know the managers. Store and other managers are given a 3 day notice that they are going to work at another store. This ensures fresh management. Publix will retrain as needed. The store is clean, the fried chicken is the best and their produce is usually A+. I don't like the bathrooms of the older Publix stores. They have 2 stalls and it feels like you are in a closet to do your deed. Even though these smaller bathrooms are ADA acceptable, it is still cramped for someone using a wheelchair or scooter. Also, smells tend to linger longer in the old bathrooms. I will go to Publix for BOGO'S. DS works at WallyWorld. I go early in the am and purchase what we needed-throughout the entire stores. His discount helps on non-food items. Longevity is a plus for Publix employees. Their stock makes the employee alot of money. Managers retire as millionaires around the age of 50, if they've been good with their money.
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Post by bigbundt on Jun 5, 2016 13:22:46 GMT
Oh and the one I go to caters more to older shoppers. I could have a cart overflowing with groceries around the baby carrier in the basket, my five year old hanging off my arm while it was pouring down raining and the person helping customers out would look right past me and help the customer behind me with her lone purchase: a gallon of milk. And I'm not making that up, that is exactly what happened the last time I shopped there. My MIL shops there and is constantly giving me the coupons for free items the cart people give out when they help you load your car.
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Post by Linda on Jun 5, 2016 13:36:06 GMT
Every year the Saturday before Mother's Day our local store has heart shaped cakes that you can buy that the kids decorate themselves They work with the local schools to do this as well in my area - my daughter decorates it on the Friday before Mother's Day at school and brings it very carefully home on the bus. And the ones in Florida don't have olive bars!! The one I visited in Tampa last weekend did but it's the first time I've seen an Olive bar in ANY supermarket
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2016 2:01:30 GMT
I'm a New Yorker, living in FL for almost 5 years now (gah!). As far as grocery stores go, Publix seems to be the best in FL. It's the cleanest. They usually run Bogo sales. They'll bag your groceries and even bring them out to your car & you're not supposed to tip them. They are more expensive, so watch for prices. We normally shop at Sam's Club and then supplement with Publix foods....... Their pharmacy is excellent, IMO. They are always on the ball.........
I will add that there are soooooooo many items from up north that I just cannot get down here. I initially thought we'd get fresher fruit and veggies, etc., but it's the opposite. The garlic and onions here are just.......... different. I don't know why! But it affects my cooking. I can't get many, many items that I could easily get up there. For some reason, fat-free dairy products are almost non-existent. (DH was on The Dukan Diet, so it was required).
Good luck! BTW, gosh, I miss ShopRite and all of the NY/NJ grocery stores!
ETA: Their sub sandwiches are really, really good! Their italian hero is very good, even though it's not what we'd consider the norm up north. Still, it's yummy!
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Post by meridon on Jun 6, 2016 3:46:14 GMT
No one has mentioned this yet, but Publix is employee-owned. They are a pretty decent place to work as far as retail goes...good benefits and opportunities to get overtime and holiday pay, etc. I agree with many of the above posters that their fried chicken is THE BEST and I also love their salsa, which they make fresh in house. I do, however, hate their Publix brand of sweet tea. I'd rather have Milo's! Oh, and at least in my local area, you can order your deli items online and pick them up, so no more waiting in line to get my Publix sweet ham, which I like better than Boar's Head.
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Post by FLA SummerBaby on Jun 6, 2016 20:16:07 GMT
OMG-- I LOVE Publix!!!!! I have shopped there for my entire life (with the exception of the 1 year I lived in SC and there was no Publix there yet and I was forced to shop Piggly Wiggly and Kroger.) There is nothing bad to say -- it is all good. Their motto is "where shopping is a pleasure" and it is TRUE! They are consistently friendly and customer service oriented. They will stop what they are doing whenever you have a question and help you. I have asked guys stocking the shelves to point me to the aisle where something is located. They stop what they are doing, walk me to the aisle and help me find it on the shelf -- even if I tell them they don't have to do that. If they don't carry something that I used to purchase but they have discontinued, they will make a special order for me so I can still get it. They have fresh produce and meat. Their bakery is truly the best "grocery store bakery" I have ever been to --- all the cakes I have ordered for birthdays, graduations and other events are just amazing. Their stores are among the cleanest I have been to. They have great BOGO deals every week. Some items their prices tend to run higher than cheaper competitors but overall, they are competitive with all other grocery stores I have used and I will choose them ANY day. They have a policy that if an item ever scans an incorrect price, you get the item for free-- no questions asked! As you can tell, I am their #1 fan.
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Post by Meri-Lyn on Jun 6, 2016 21:46:56 GMT
I do have to give you this one Publix Warning: Their commercials are the sweetest, sappiest, pull-at-your-heart-strings, bawl-your-eyes-out, don't-watch-when-your-pms'ing ads ever! Particularly the holiday ones. Have y'all seen the latest one I just saw, with the daughter growing up? bwah!!!!! ETA: Oh, now there's another one, the kid graduating from college...the feels, the feels!!!!!
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