Publix: Where Shopping Truly Is A Pleasure
My Rating For Publix
Grocery shopping is a necessary part of life. For all the mothers out there we know taking children to the supermarket is just asking for trouble. The aisles are chock full of little pieces of temptations from candy at the check out line to our children's overwhelming desire to grab anything within grasp and pull it off the shelf. It is a perfect place for little ones to melt down and throw a full out, rolling on the floor yelling fit, while all the other people look on with barely hidden judgement in their eyes. This is why where I choose to shop is very important. For me, it is not always about who has the lowest prices. I have shopped at Wal-Mart, Winn-Dixie, Alberston's, Whole Foods, and Target. None of them can compete with the wonder that is Publix. I love Publix for many, many reasons but the best reason is the how kid friendly the store is. Below you will find all the reasons why I love Publix and why it is the best grocery store ever.
Kid Friendly
Publix is the most kid friendly store ever. In fact, Child magazine ranked it in their top 10 list of child friendly grocery stores. The first stop for my family upon entering the store is the bakery. There they pass out free cookies to my children.This gives my kids something to concentrate on immediately upon entering the store. Who can compete with free cookies? Secondly, they have really cool race car shopping carts. My son, who I feel needs to be contained in a cart at all times while shopping, loves to ride in these and never gives me a hard time. After making our way through the wide, easy to navigate aisles, we pay and there they offer my kids a balloon to take for the ride home. They are the simple helium balloons that deflate after a day but my kids think this is just as good as a free cookie and it never fails to amuse them while I put the groceries in the car and on the drive home.
Cleanliness
Publix is always clean. From the floor you walk in on to the shelves holding the food, they always make sure nothing is out of place. My son "accidently" dropped a glass jar of cheese dip and shattered the bottle all over the floor. They were right there to clean it up and never made me pay for the item or feel anymore guilty than I already did about what happened. The store always smells clean and fresh and not like rotting meat which some supermarkets smell like.
Customer Service
Publix has the happiest and most helpful employees than any other store anywhere. They are always there with a smile on their faces ready to help. They gladly accept any returns with no questions asked for a full refund. Their mission statement as stated on their website is:
Our Mission at Publix is to be the premier quality food retailer in the world.
To that end we commit to be:
- Passionately focused on Customer Value,
- Intolerant of Waste,
- Dedicated to the Dignity, Value and Employment Security of our Associates,
- Devoted to the highest standards of stewardship for our Stockholders, and
- Involved as Responsible Citizens in our Communities.
Buy One Get One Free
Publix's only drawback for most people is the prices. They are not super expensive but products like cereal and other boxed and/or canned items can be found cheaper at places like Wal-Mart. They do however have buy one get one free items on sale throughout the store every week. The products that are on sale are rotated so you can stock up on different items every week. They also accept a manufacturer's coupon and store coupon for each item and most stores accept competitor's coupons. Your local Publix will have it posted or have flyer stating which competitor's coupons they accept.
Publix Products
I love the Publix bakery. Just walking in the store, I can smell the freshly baked breads and cookies and it makes for a more pleasant shopping experience. Their baked goods are by far the best of any grocery store and I can taste the difference between a Publix birthday cake and an imposter's in an instant.
Their produce section is always neatly organized and the fruits and vegetables always look fresh and ready to eat. There is no worrying about the quality of their foods. Even the Publix brand boxed items are reasonably priced and taste just as good as the name brands.
Do You Shop At Publix?
Samples
Who doesn't like to be fed as they go grocery shopping? Publix passes out samples in different departments throughout the week. I personally prefer the bakery samples but it is also nice to try to teriyaki chicken in the meat section too. They have also started Apron's Simple Meals Program in each store which has a demonstration for a dinner followed by samples afterwards. The best part is all the ingredients for the meal can be found right next to the station where the cooking is taking place. If you ever need a quick dinner idea, there it is.
I could go on and on about the joys of Publix but these are the highlights. The next time you are debating which store to go to or are in town and don't have a Publix, go find one. I promise you won't be disappointed.