Publix: Where shopping is a pleasure

January 31, 2025

I first became familiar with Publix when we lived in Orlando. The store was started in Lakeland, Florida. We use to stop at a store in Lakeland (not sure if it was the original) for a bathroom break and maybe to buy something when we drove over the St. Pete from Orlando to attend Rays games.

This morning I visited our neighborhood Publix to get some things for my sick daughter. Incidentally, I had just returned from a visit to Publix to buy some flowers for my wife that were a present from my other daughter.

I had gotten all of my items and was going through the self-checkout. When it was time to pay, I realized that I did not have my wallet. Two of the ladies working for Publix saw me and guessed my dilemma. I told them that I had left my wallet at home and I lived closed by. One of the ladies said that she would take my groceries up to customer service and they would be there when I got back with my wallet. The other lady urged me to not feel like I had to hurry, which was very kind advice given that it was a rainy morning.

I drove home. Got my wallet and headed back to Publix. It probably took me less than 15 minutes. I went to customer service and explained my situation and she helped me. A pleasant surprise is that they put my cold items in a refrigerator/freezer that was just across from the customer service desk. I think it might be where they put items for pick up. They also had a receipt that all she had to do was scan it and my order came up so that I could pay.

On the way out, I made sure to stop and thank the two ladies who had helped me.

Publix is a company that lives out there values. I have always thought the shopping at Publix was a pleasure. Their stores are clean, well-lit, spacious, and everyone that works there is always willing to help.

I thought it was important in this day and age when most of the stories you hear about customer service are negative to take the time to highlight a very positive experience that I had. Thanks Publix for making the shopping experience a pleasure.