Does anyone have a Publix Supermarket in there town? (Knoxville: to live, prices)

[beckycat]

Originally Posted by insanesmooch

I don't recall exactly, but I'm sure within the last 5 years. They bought out some stores owned by a chain, I think it was Albertson's. Maybe it was just that Albertson's wanted out of the TN market. I know there used to be a store in Murfreesboro that was in the chain (I think it was called FoodMax), but it just closed. It's now a gym. I believe that the Publix is new to Smyrna and the one on Murfreesboro Road in Nashville near the K-mart closed. Mostly, I remember hearing about them from commercials on the radio.

Publix bought out several Albertson's in FL.

[Kim918]

Publix bought out two Bi-Lo's in Murfreesboro. There are two now in Smyrna and the one in Antioch, I believe closed, but they are going to put another one somewhere there.

[WOWAddict]

Originally Posted by Dolic

Really? I am surprised that Publix would move into Knoxville see how much Food City is building in the area.

I am sure the same thing was said in Georgia with Kroger. But Publix quickly took market share.

The march will slow due to the economy and the need to build the infrastructure. The closest warehouse is Northern GA, last I read.

But it will continue unless Kroger decided to buy them out.

[WOWAddict]

Originally Posted by Kim918

I can understand what you are saying, but isn't Publix creating local jobs? The more stores they open, the more local jobs will be created. Eventually a warehouse will have to be established here as well creating many more local positions.

Very true. The only thing not local about Publix would be the Corporate Headquarters.

When Publix moves in its not like the jobs move overseas. Any jobs lost by Publix expansion(Closing of Food City, Kash & Carry, Food Lion ,are those up there?) are just moved to Publix no loss of jobs. Well maybe a store manager, Publix only hires those jobs from within. But as Publix expands any new person from TN can move up and get that job.

[alleycat]

Originally Posted by WOWAddict

But it will continue unless Kroger decided to buy them out.

I would guess that would be harder to do with Publix since it's an employee-owned company.

[WOWAddict]

Originally Posted by alleycat

I would guess that would be harder to do with Publix since it's an employee-owned company.

Not really for the most part it is still a family business even though technically a a private corporation. The board is controlled by 2 families. Jenkins and another one, Barnett if my memory is correct. I know the family of the founder George Jenkins is in to its 3rd generation at least. Statistically I read somewhere that is when families usually sell the family business, I might be a generation off.

There have been rumors of selling for years and years so doubt it will happen.

I worked for Publix 11 years. All through middle, high and college. It really is a great place to shop and work.

**disclaimer** I am still a stock holder

[alleycat]

Somewhat off-topic, but since we're talking about Publix . . .

I occasionaly get carded at Publix for buying beer (as does everyone because of the state law). It's silly since at my age I look nothing like an 18-year old so the clerk and I usually joke around about it. They told me at the Publix I go to that the oldest person they've carded so far at that store was a 96-year old woman.

[WOWAddict]

So funny you bring that up.

My sis-in-law just started working at one of the Publix's in Chattanooga as a cashier and she was told everyone gets carded. She felt silly, no one told her it was a law just that it was policy up there.

She said she carded someone that could barely walk. I found the story so funny.

[Dolic]

The little old lady should take it as a compliment

[Trevor92]

Originally Posted by WOWAddict

Very true. The only thing not local about Publix would be the Corporate Headquarters.

When Publix moves in its not like the jobs move overseas. Any jobs lost by Publix expansion(Closing of Food City, Kash & Carry, Food Lion ,are those up there?) are just moved to Publix no loss of jobs. Well maybe a store manager, Publix only hires those jobs from within. But as Publix expands any new person from TN can move up and get that job.

Knoxville is actually a market where in 2007, Kroger had the most grocery sales, followed by Wal-Mart, and Food City was in third, but all were separted by about 2% in gross sales. There's also a few Ingles, Food Lions, and a couple more. A Publix should effect them all, perhaps Wal-Mart less than the others. So if Publix is talking with Food City specifically, it's probably a more strategic, trying to avoid each other's neighborhood's talks rather than hostile talks. Food City and Publix are actually very similar models of grocery stores. Publix is much larger with almost 1,000 stores compared to Food City's just over 100.

Food City is also a privated held family and employee owned grocery store based on the Tennessee/Virginia border. But a Publix expansion that results in market share and store loss from Food City, would indeed result in a net loss of jobs in Knoxville and the rest of East Tennessee. While the overall number of jobs working in grocery stores would probably not change, Food City buys the bulk of its produce and other 'generic' brands (that aren't repackaged national brands) locally in East Tennessee from farmers and local retailers. Misty Mountain Spring Water, Kern's Bread, Terry's Snacks, Kay's Ice Cream, and Lay Meats, are several exclusive Food City brands from local companies in Northeast Tennesse. Most of these companies went out of business in the past, and restarted because of the success of Food City. Food City is local to East Tennessee in more ways then just corporate headquarters. But Food City's local connection including distribution points should allow them to keep prices lower while continuing to advertise as the local alternative, and I would be surprised if Food City were hurt as much as other chains in the Knoxville area by a possible Publix expansion.