A Startup Guy

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I love when businesses get it right. They just supercharge me as a customer. There are a few stores in my town that do this and one I really love is Publix. I’ve heard bad things about this chain grocery store in other areas. I don’t know if it’s regional leadership or what, but the stores in my region are fantastic. Not just one store in my home town, but I’ve had the same excellent experience in at least 5 stores throughout Middle Tennessee.

I used to shop other chains, such as Kroger, but was frustrated with substandard fresh veggies and meats (at least at the one near my house). Not to mention just mediocre service. One thing I’ve noticed at Publix is that there are a few teenagers working there, but they are high quality workers. Kroger has LOTS of teens working there and it’s obvious that this is just a paycheck to them. And it’s obvious that kroger hires them because they’re cheap.

Here are a couple of recent examples:

One day I stopped in Kroger to pick up a few items. When leaving, I had my hands full with bags of groceries and trying to corral my 3-year-old son. I went out a door that wasn’t automated (you have to actually push it open, remember those?). Going out the same door, just a couple of steps in front, was a Kroger employee who looked back, saw I was struggling, and let the door shut in my face.

Contrast that to my experience at Publix one day recently. I ordered some sliced meats from the deli. The lady was finishing up with another customer and my order would be a few minutes. I asked her if it would be OK if I shopped a bit and came back to pick up my order and she said that was fine. A few minutes later, halfway across the store, she brought my deli order to me!

When I go into a local Kroger or Walmart, I generally don’t get much attention from the employees there. Frequently, I don’t get more than a “Will this be all?” from the cashier when checking out. On the other hand, when shopping Publix, nearly everyone I pass who works there greets me and asks if they can help me find anything. Their cashiers are always friendly.

Publix really has their act together and I love shopping there. Kroger or Walmart may be a bit cheaper on a few things, but Publix is chaper on some others. Quality products, fresh food, great service and good pricing keep me coming back. I’m happy they “get it.”