[foodyum]

Originally Posted by hawk55732

Yes, and they are paid by tips. As for bagging, every place that I have been to, besides stores like Aldis, have baggers, thats nothing special to Publix.

That extra bagger is not normal even at Whole Foods or kings (both higher end) in the ny metro area. If anyone it is a developmentally disabled helper. Many shoppers still bag their own.
The lower priced stores like shops rite have much longer checkout lines, most are bag your own, at a cost savings.
Those stores are great because of huge grocery and frozen selection, including tons of ethnic( kosher, Indian, Latin) and lower prices but lower quality of fresh meats and fish but again very long lines.

[rfomd129]

I usually go a little bit out of my way to shop at Winn-Dixie. The store isn't as well stocked (or well kept) as the Publix that is super close to where I live, but I think my dollar goes a little further at Winn-Dixie. I especially like their Deli staff! They're a bunch of funny guys who always get me laughing.

Publix definitely has a nicer feel to it. The lights inside are brighter and there are so many helpful employees. I was shopping there last week before the kids came to visit and I couldn't believe I bought apples that were $3.99 per pound! I stood there bemoaning the prices with another older woman about my age but I still bought them.

[hawk55732]

Originally Posted by foodyum

That extra bagger is not normal even at Whole Foods or kings (both higher end) in the ny metro area. If anyone it is a developmentally disabled helper. Many shoppers still bag their own.
The lower priced stores like shops rite have much longer checkout lines, most are bag your own, at a cost savings.
Those stores are great because of huge grocery and frozen selection, including tons of ethnic( kosher, Indian, Latin) and lower prices but lower quality of fresh meats and fish but again very long lines.

So you mean there are 3 people at the checkout? When you said extra bagger I thought you meant bagger besides the cashier.

[foodyum]

Originally Posted by rfomd129

I usually go a little bit out of my way to shop at Winn-Dixie. The store isn't as well stocked (or well kept) as the Publix that is super close to where I live, but I think my dollar goes a little further at Winn-Dixie. I especially like their Deli staff! They're a bunch of funny guys who always get me laughing.

Publix definitely has a nicer feel to it. The lights inside are brighter and there are so many helpful employees. I was shopping there last week before the kids came to visit and I couldn't believe I bought apples that were $3.99 per pound! I stood there bemoaning the prices with another older woman about my age but I still bought them.

3.99! Yikes.

[foodyum]

Originally Posted by hawk55732

So you mean there are 3 people at the checkout? When you said extra bagger I thought you meant bagger besides the cashier.

Yes. A cashier and if there is a bagger, they are almost always DD. It’s like I’m doing them the favor of interacting- not that I mind. It’s always some weirdish conversation about the weather or the holiday or their family.

[hawk55732]

Originally Posted by foodyum

Yes. A cashier and if there is a bagger, they are almost always DD. It’s like I’m doing them the favor of interacting- not that I mind. It’s always some weirdish conversation about the weather or the holiday or their family.

Interesting. I have been to 3 Publix that I can think of that we use regularly. 1 in NC and 2 in FL. They have all had a person that you can tip to take out your groceries and 1 cashier who also is the bagger. Sometimes they will have a second bagger if they arent busy. Different locations, different policies I guess.

[foodyum]

Originally Posted by hawk55732

Interesting. I have been to 3 Publix that I can think of that we use regularly. 1 in NC and 2 in FL. They have all had a person that you can tip to take out your groceries and 1 cashier who also is the bagger. Sometimes they will have a second bagger if they arent busy. Different locations, different policies I guess.

To clarify, the DD baggers are at the high end grocery stores up north, not at Publix.
At Publix it’s always some competent English speaking person. I’m guessing that high labor cost is built in to the price of groceries.

[Corrie22]

I do all our heavy lifting at Winn Dixie.....Publix has a lot of things I do not like at all....and Publix is more expensive

Originally Posted by rfomd129

I usually go a little bit out of my way to shop at Winn-Dixie. The store isn't as well stocked (or well kept) as the Publix that is super close to where I live, but I think my dollar goes a little further at Winn-Dixie. I especially like their Deli staff! They're a bunch of funny guys who always get me laughing.

Publix definitely has a nicer feel to it. The lights inside are brighter and there are so many helpful employees. I was shopping there last week before the kids came to visit and I couldn't believe I bought apples that were $3.99 per pound! I stood there bemoaning the prices with another older woman about my age but I still bought them.

[Mattie]

Originally Posted by hawk55732

Yes, and they are paid by tips. As for bagging, every place that I have been to, besides stores like Aldis, have baggers, thats nothing special to Publix.

it is against company policy for Publix employees to accept tips. If you notify a mgr that you dealt with a particularly helpful employee, they are often rewarded with free food or gift cards.

[hawk55732]

Originally Posted by Mattie

it is against company policy for Publix employees to accept tips. If you notify a mgr that you dealt with a particularly helpful employee, they are often rewarded with free food or gift cards.

Interesting, seems that often enforced. My daughters former tutor worked at Publix. His job was taking out groceries and he only got paid through tips and the other two places had the same policy.