[annerk]

Wegman's has been slowly moving south. They are now into central VA. Publix has been slowly moving north. There will come a point in time that they will meet. At that point they will either need to merge, agree not to compete in various markets, or participate in a death match--and I expect that Wegman's will prevail if that happens.

There are enough people from the north who want Wegman's and have asked them to come to Florida that I suspect they will eventually do so. I'm not saying it will happen next year, but long-term, why wouldn't they?

[beachmouse]

I'd honestly be surprised to see Wegman's make it to Florida in the next ten years. (Though love to be proved wrong) The grocery business relies a lot more on central distribution networks and large warehouses than other chain businesses where you get goods coming in by FedEx. If they're going to expand into an area, they need to be in a happy financial place where they have a high enough number of stores to make it worthwile for them to send semis into an area.

I had an uncle who workes for Meijer's (midwestern megastore chain with probably about the same number of store at Wegman's) They've gotten as far south as central Kentucky. At one time they were looking to expand into Atlanta, but they just couldn't make the numbers work for them because said new Georgia stores would be too far from their existing distribution points.

[gypsychic]

I am really, really spoiled by the choices I have here in Sarasota. I happen to LOVE Publix, and I have two of the most AWESOME Publix stores I have ever seen here (my favorite on University Parkway). In addition to that, there is Sweetbay, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Morton's Gourmet market, several small health food stores, several produce and farmer's markets, French and Italian bakeries and on and on. That is not even counting the discount stores like Walmart, etc.

For just regular supermarket, I feel like you can't beat Publix. I, too, have heard they are somewhat lacking in quality down in South Florida, but in this area they really excel. And about Winn-Dixie, I have one word - ugh! Dark, dirty and unkempt!

[Kathleen1971]

I too grew up shopping at Publix but like others have said they have really gone downhill fast. In fact the last 3 times I have been to 2 different Publix's I was so unimpressed I don't know if I will go back for a full grocery shopping. Thank God for my local Sweetbay. The products cost less, more selection, the people who work there kick butt and the store is just nicer all around. Plus they have the foreign foods sections where I get to try new things from around the world which is fun. And their organics section is superior as is their bakery and produce sections. This ain't Kash N Karry anymore lol.

[grapico]

Originally Posted by JonSch7

In Tallahassee, there isn't much left except for Publix. Albertsons was bought out by Publix, and they are turning the old Albertsons into Publix Greenwise stores. And Winn-Dixie like others have said is dirty and run down. We have nice new Super Wal-marts, but I still try not to shop there if I don't have to.

Publix has the best bakery, produce, and meat department of any large grocery chain in Florida. I do believe that over the last 5-7 years, their quality of products has gone down. I think the bigger they get, the less their quality goes up. Also, I used to like how they were very customer friendly. Now that they are getting bigger, they lose that a little bit.

I was just about to post this...

If they truly do turn it into a greenwise store, that is cool. But I find their sections currently higher priced than whole foods, trader joes, and new leaf market.

They seem like walmart to me now. The produce is simply bad there and all covered in wax. Their organics are not fresh and priced out of the market. I get my produce mostly from Fresh Market and Tomato Land both on Thomasville road. I get my staples and bulk and seafood from Mike's Seafood on Apalachee.
The super walmart actually have better stuff than Publix, but, I also won't buy anything from there.
I am not expecting Tallahassee to be California in quality, but they could do a lot better.
Publix sandwiches are also not near as good as they were in the 90s.
Albertson's are all out of business here, and the Winn Dixies are deplorable and Harvey's sell pretty much similar crap produce with no selection and lots of processed foods.

I'm not sure if it is the local produce, or where Tallahassee grocery stores and restaurants get their produce supply from but it just doesn't taste right, doesn't seem fresh, etc... goes from the quality at the grocery stores, to what you get in a salad at the restaurants.
Tallahassee needs a Whole Food's a Trader Joe's for better quality and variety stuff, and a Safeway for better and cheaper staples, all better than their counterparts here..

[LovinDecatur]

In Atlanta, if it weren't for Publix, Kroger would be a virtual monopoly. As it is, The two stores are toe-to-toe for market share, and together have more than 90% of the Atlanta metro market. You have to hand it to Publix...they expanded and thrived in the face of an aggressive and very established chain (Kroger) when A&P, Winn-Dixie and Harris Teeter all faded away.

[dmccauley]

Originally Posted by Kathleen1971

I too grew up shopping at Publix but like others have said they have really gone downhill fast. In fact the last 3 times I have been to 2 different Publix's I was so unimpressed I don't know if I will go back for a full grocery shopping. Thank God for my local Sweetbay. The products cost less, more selection, the people who work there kick butt and the store is just nicer all around. Plus they have the foreign foods sections where I get to try new things from around the world which is fun. And their organics section is superior as is their bakery and produce sections. This ain't Kash N Karry anymore lol.

I do think Sweetbays has a good selection and the prices seem to be cheaper, but where I am in Sarasota they just can't compete with Publix. They have tried to open up a few but close down with in a couple of months. I would never buy meats from Sweatbay, here that is, they don't do the business and I have gotten to many things that were spoiled.

[luvthatmouse]

I really like our local Publix but it is right near Disney and very expensive. We were just in CA and MA/NH and all three states were MUCH cheaper for groceries than FL. We have lots of choices here in Orlando too. We get our paper and cleaning goods at Wal-Mart but I would not buy meat or produce there. I like our closest Super Target for bakery items, and Archer Farms things. I love Whole Foods and find them about the same price as our local Publix but it is a bit of a hike. Publix is right across the street for us. We go to Whole Foods about once a month and I pick up humus, meats, vegetarian things for meatless meals, nuts, etc. We also have a farmers market come to town on Sundays and now they have an organic stand.

[Strel]

Originally Posted by JonSch7

In Tallahassee, there isn't much left except for Publix. Albertsons was bought out by Publix, and they are turning the old Albertsons into Publix Greenwise stores. And Winn-Dixie like others have said is dirty and run down. We have nice new Super Wal-marts, but I still try not to shop there if I don't have to.

Publix has the best bakery, produce, and meat department of any large grocery chain in Florida. I do believe that over the last 5-7 years, their quality of products has gone down. I think the bigger they get, the less their quality goes up. Also, I used to like how they were very customer friendly. Now that they are getting bigger, they lose that a little bit.

I shop at the Publix in Bradforville (aka north Killearn, B-ville got swallowed up) and most of the time it is just fine. I have no complaints about service, everyone there is very polite and helpful.

But...it is probably the most whitebread Publix in Florida. Getting "ethnic" ingredients is a problem. No Goya pinto beans? WTF? It seems they discontnue a lot of the products I buy in favor of something more bland, vanilla, and American.

Spice it up, Publix!

[Jimrob1]

I have noticed alot of Publix in Florida, as well as the other stores mentioned. If you really want to see a true monopoly in the grocery store business New England leads it in this country. I grew up in New England and all we had was Stop & Shop no matter where you went with a Shaws in some of the towns. So at least Florida has a few others besides Publix.