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There are now a few Publix stores in Charlotte. I'm wondering what some locals think of them and how well perceived their stores are in Charlotte? I imagine that with Charlotte being close to SC, more people are familiar with Publix than in other areas of NC. There is only one Publix in the Triangle at the moment (as well as other areas of NC, such as Asheville), but two more are opening next year and more after that...so they are committed to Raleigh as well.
Publix is among the better supermarkets in necessities, quality of products, freshness of foods, service, and competitive price. It is consistent to be successful and constantly growing through additional stores.
Many Florida transplants are happy to see Publix in Charlotte. Previously their closest stores were Spartanburg and Columbia, SC. Then they opened in Ft. Mill and Indian Land just across the SC border from Charlotte. Now they have moved into NC where their main competition is Harris Teeter. The Charlotte area Publix stores are very nice.
There is a difference between HT and Publix. Are the prices rock bottom at Publix? Nope. Same with HT. Has Publix closed any of their stores (Expansion or otherwise) due to dismal sales or are performing poorly? Nope. HT? Yup.
So why would people go to Publix and spend more rather than go to HT and do the same?
2 words. Customer service.
The largest employee-owned supermarket in the United States, Publix is also the most profitable. The chain was the only grocer to appear on J.D. Power’s list of 2014 Customer Champions, which recognizes outstanding customer service.
Publix hasn't gotten to where they're at today by doing things wrong.
Don't get me wrong. I like HT as well. But given a choice between the 2, I'll opt for Publix.
It'll be interesting to actually watch this unfold in the near future and watch them both go head to head, across the street from each other, in Cotswold.
There is a difference between HT and Publix. Are the prices rock bottom at Publix? Nope. Same with HT. Has Publix closed any of their stores (Expansion or otherwise) due to dismal sales or are performing poorly? Nope. HT? Yup.
So why would people go to Publix and spend more rather than go to HT and do the same?
2 words. Customer service.
The largest employee-owned supermarket in the United States, Publix is also the most profitable. The chain was the only grocer to appear on J.D. Power’s list of 2014 Customer Champions, which recognizes outstanding customer service.
Publix hasn't gotten to where they're at today by doing things wrong.
Don't get me wrong. I like HT as well. But given a choice between the 2, I'll opt for Publix.
It'll be interesting to actually watch this unfold in the near future and watch them both go head to head, across the street from each other, in Cotswold.
I've seen this comment made before, and I've frankly wondered what it means. Grocery stores are basically self service. I really can't think of a time when I needed "customer service". Having deli meat sliced maybe? Does Publix do that better than HT? What am I missing?
I've seen this comment made before, and I've frankly wondered what it means. Grocery stores are basically self service. I really can't think of a time when I needed "customer service". Having deli meat sliced maybe? Does Publix do that better than HT? What am I missing?
Seen any stockers on the floor at HT during normal business hours? More than likely no. Produce, Meat, Deli, Bakery sure. HT's works their shelves at night or after normal business hours. Publix always has them on hand, throughout the day, either re-stocking or fronting other items on the shelves.
If there's any item missing from the shelf, I can usually find a stocker very quickly and once I let them know what I'm looking for, I can proceed with my shopping, while they go check the back room, then, return and find me in the store, wherever I'm at, produce it and if not, will let me know when it will be back in stock.
Cashiers. If a cashier doesn't have any customers, 9 times out of 10, they're waiting for you and will direct you their way.
Baggers. Publix has always had them. And they always offer to take your groceries to your vehicle (Not that I need it, but it's nice that they offer without being asked)
In the other departments, almost all the service personnel are alert enough to spot a shopper who may be confused or not sure what they're looking for and will offer help proactively, before being asked.
Another tidbit is their brands. Take their premium ice cream for instance. One of my favorites, which I think is better than Haagen Dazs, is their Barnies Coffee Ice Cream. And as with all their ice cream, you still get a full half gallon, unlike HT's brands, Breyers etc, which all shrunk theirs down to 48 - 56 oz.
I could go on, but sometimes, it's the little things that mean a lot, to me and others.
I've seen this comment made before, and I've frankly wondered what it means. Grocery stores are basically self service. I really can't think of a time when I needed "customer service". Having deli meat sliced maybe? Does Publix do that better than HT? What am I missing?
Based on my experience with Publix vs HT (and most grocery stores) you are missing a couple of things.
I'll start with the deli that you brought up. Publix always has enough staff behind the counter so customers don't wait too long if wait at all. They also make a point to acknowledge you (if you are waiting) and let you know they will get to you as soon as possible. Other Deli counters staff always make me feel like that unless they are working directly with me - I don't exist. Publix always offers the first slice of whatever you are ordering (if deli meats) for thinness/thickness inspection and tasting. In all my years with HT and others, I often have to ask to see the slices before they proceed and never are offered a taste.
In-store personnel are plentiful in Publix and I am often approached to see if there is anything I need help finding if I am just standing in a section. That may have happened 1-2 times in other grocery stores over the years, but not as routine as it is in Publix.
Seafood (This is a favorite comparison) - I get fair to poor results with most grocery stores personnel who are working the seafood section as to origin of product including whether it is farmed or wild caught. Publix staff seems to know there stuff down pat and when they don't have something I want in stock regularly have offered to arrange it and notify me. That latter item has never happened it an HT.
Check-out - rarely do you have to bag your own groceries and often they escort you to your car and load up your groceries in it.
Staff in general - to be honest when I first started going to them, I found it disconcerting just how nice and outgoing they all were. I made a joke about Stepford wives/workers once because I thought it couldn't be true, but in the several months since going to Publix I've yet to meet a staff member who was not outgoing, friendly and offered me assistance.
Maybe people get this kind of service on occasion in other stores, but I can say without a doubt, Publix employees are trained properly and across the board for customer service vs the luck of the draw of getting someone having a good/bad day at another place.
The one knock I will give it is the prices are not that great and in fact are more expensive in certain things than most chain stores, but I prefer to pay that and get the service I am getting. Outside of there only being a HT by my work, I would never set foot in one again compared to Publix.
Checked out the South Blvd location Friday. It was very clean and nice! Ordered a cake from the bakery and I must say wow, the pricing is very reasonable and quality of work looks great.
I still go to HT (Blakeney) most of the time because it is less than 5 minutes from the house, but I like Publix also. I will stop at Publix (Providence Rd. West) on the way to pick up my child from daycare during the week. I have no issues with either store. Other than Whole Foods/Earth Fare/Trader Joe's/Fresh Market, I don't shop anywhere else.
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