[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Meijer was thinking of going into Atlanta at one point, but then took a pass because they would have had to borrow to do so (like Publix, they try to keep long term corporate debt very low to non-existent) and Walmart moved into the area big time so the Southeastern ship has effectively passed for that. They needed Atlanta if they were going to go further south and east from Louisville, KY.

I don't get my local Winn-Dixie. Staff is very nice, but for stuff we actually buy, it manages to be more expensive than Publix for Walmart quality. I guess they didn't really have local competition for so long that they got away with the high prices. The new Publix on my side of the toll bridge has to be hurting them now.

This has always been my experience with Winn-Dixie (the few times I actually have checked them out). Their prices are super high, and the store is worse than WalMart in terms of quality, service, lack of ambiance, etc.

Eh, like I said before, these are different times, and I'm sure it depends where in Florida one lives, but here in Sarasota/Manatee I am spoiled with a wealth of places to shop for food, more people these days are buying in stores that are not traditional supermarkets, I believe that is one reason there will NOT be major expansion of other chains. Actually I have read that WalMart is aggressively expanding to get more grocery share, they rank pretty high now actually.

Publix is far from my main store (although it used to be). Even though many do not consider Super Target a grocery, I certainly do - they have an awesome selection of grass-fed beef, natural chicken and wild-caught fish; along with many other natural and organic brands I like to buy. They have great prices as well. This is where I get most of my meats, etc. These days ALDI has organic produce and other items and I actually do major shopping trips at that store. Trader Joe and Publix are "fill-in" stores for what I can't get at the others. Not to mention that there are a wealth of small ethnic grocery and gourmet stores here if I really wanted to spend a lot of time (and money) shopping - lol!

[SeaLark7]

Just a sample of the price difference between Publix and WalMart: This week Publix has a BOGO on Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, with the ad saying "Save up to 3.05", indicating that this is their regular price for one box. Same product at WalMart is 2.00 a box (also regular price). So I used WalMart's ad match and got two boxes for 2.00. And this is why I buy most of my groceries at WalMart.

[OrlFlaUsa]

Originally Posted by SeaLark7

Just a sample of the price difference between Publix and WalMart: This week Publix has a BOGO on Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, with the ad saying "Save up to 3.05", indicating that this is their regular price for one box. Same product at WalMart is 2.00 a box (also regular price). So I used WalMart's ad match and got two boxes for 2.00. And this is why I buy most of my groceries at WalMart.

A toaster strudel is not groceries, just frozen crap which is fine to get at wal mart. Groceries are fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and things that are actually edible.

[SeaLark7]

Well excuuuuuse me for having inferior food taste to you. I was just using this as an example of the price differences in the two stores.

[OrlFlaUsa]

Originally Posted by SeaLark7

Well excuuuuuse me for having inferior food taste to you. I was just using this as an example of the price differences in the two stores.

Has nothing to do with inferior food tastes, it has to do with a toaster strudel being a toaster strudel whether one smartly buys it cheaper at Wal-Mart or pays more for it at Publix.

BTW, it's pretty much common knowledge that the frozen aisles are filled with convenience foods that are not usually of the highest quality, so why take it personally??

[Choochooboy99]

We currently live in Tulsa, OK but frequently vacation in Florida. Not just central Florida, but both coasts as well. My wife and I both agree that the experience we have had at Publix markets has been very good, if not outstanding. For our normal everyday shopping we frequent Aldis, Wal-Mart, or Target, but for special items we can't find in other stores we shop Publix. The employees have been courteous and helpful whenever we have needed them. Stores here in Tulsa don't come close to the level of service we have found at Publix. When we finally do relocate to Florida we will shop frequently at Publix, just not for all of our grocery needs.

[SeaLark7]

OrlFlaUsa: Calling a food I bought "frozen crap" sure makes it sound like you feel your food tastes are superior to mine. That is certainly the way it came across, since you consider this item not edible. Really, it seems like the whole purpose of your post was a put-down. Anyone else take it that way ?

[OrlFlaUsa]

Originally Posted by SeaLark7

OrlFlaUsa: Calling a food I bought "frozen crap" sure makes it sound like you feel your food tastes are superior to mine. That is certainly the way it came across, since you consider this item not edible. Really, it seems like the whole purpose of your post was a put-down. Anyone else take it that way ?

Frozen food is crap, has nothing to do with you. I think when people talk about good grocery stores they're not talking about where toaster strudels can be had the cheapest.

[bannedontherun]

It must vary widely with Publix prices according to area. I don't see their prices competitive (I'm not talking BOGO items) with anybody else, there through the roof. I rarely see people with kids in Publix, couldn't afford to keep them fed at Publix prices.

[Spring Hillian]

Originally Posted by OrlFlaUsa

Frozen food is crap, has nothing to do with you. I think when people talk about good grocery stores they're not talking about where toaster strudels can be had the cheapest.

I think some of you are confusing processed frozen foods with non-processed. There is a wide variety of frozen vegetables; fruits, juices, fish and chicken that certainly are not "crap". While a frozen toaster strudel can be labeled simply as junk food not all frozen items are junk food.