I *heart* Publix! And so does Kate. In fact, Publix is one of the stores she easily recognizes--and often asks to visit. You see, shopping there really IS a pleasure. In fact, I came up with (more than) 10 reasons why that is the case. And so now I present them to you, in no particular order ...
1. Free Chicken. Did you know that the Publix Deli will give kids a free chicken tender? It's true! Kate loves to go to Publix to get some chicken and another little treat ... for free!
2. Free Cookies! Likewise, the Publix Bakery gives kids a free cookie. If you'll notice, you may see a little case on top of the bakery case with cookies neatly stacked inside. Those are for the kiddos and are free for the asking. This isn't from the bakery, but word on the street is that you also can get a free balloon for your child at Publix, but I have not put this one to the test.
3. Cool Carts. Kate loves to ride in the green car (or rocket) carts at Publix. When we are headed in the direction of Publix, Kate will sometimes say, "Go Publix ... ride in green car." (And sometimes, "Go Publix ... get chicken ... cookie!" LOL!)
4. Two Words: BO. GO. I know that's not really two words. Or even words at all. But the buy-one-get-one-free deals at Publix are awesome, week after week. What's a bonus (especially for a small family) is that sometimes you don't necessarily have to buy two items to get the deal. Sometimes, if you just get one BOGO item, it will ring up at half price.
5. Publix Cakes. The Publix Bakery is well-known for its cakes. Ever since I moved to the Atlanta area--where Publix is huge--I've heard wonderful things about Publix cakes. When I was wedding planning, many folks recommended Publix cakes for the reception. We got married in Tennessee with no Publix nearby; otherwise, I would have considered it. I have had many a Publix cake and they are delicious! See this post and this one.
6. No Stupid Savings Cards. I hate having to keep up with bonus cards or savings cards or membership cards or whatever-the-latest-name-is cards. I shouldn't have to present some extra card that tracks my purchases to get the "sale" price. That's not really a sale, is it? At Publix, the price is the price. For everyone. No card required.
7. Senior Discount. I wasn't even aware of this until my parents were with me at Publix over the holidays. The very friendly cashier told us about the senior discount. I think it was only 5 percent--but hey, that is 5 percent!
8. Heartwarming Commercials. I dare you to watch a Publix commercial and not cry. Or at least get a little misty. Here's one to start you off, in case you missed it at Christmastime. If you need a good cry sometime, just do a YouTube search for Publix commercials--be sure to have some tissues handy.
9. Publix Subs. Oh yeah! Publix subs are awesome! We used to discuss their awesomeness at my former place of employment. Some of us would make a run to Publix to pick up some of these fabulous subs. I still eat Publix subs regularly. Had one earlier this week, as a matter of fact.
10. The Baby Club. And Preschool Pals. These two programs are wonderful. In fact, I wrote a post a while back about the Publix Baby Club. We have graduated to the Preschool Pals program, and it's great, too. They occasionally send a cute little gift for Kate. I usually save them for Operation Christmas Child, but it is a very nice gesture that is appreciated. I loved the coupons we received from the Baby Club--not to mention the very helpful book. Check it out!
And honorable mention:
- Double Coupons. Apparently, this varies according to region. But here in Atlanta, Publix doubles coupons up to 50 cents. You can read more about the policy here.
- Secret Penny Savings Sale. I don't really follow this regularly. In fact, I probably have taken advantage of it only a few times. But it is kind of fun--and you can get some great deals.
- Awesome Customer Service. I realize this could vary by store--but at "my" Publix, the customer service is awesome, and the employees are so warm and friendly. We've been shopping there regularly for almost six years now, and we enjoy seeing the familiar faces of the staff.
- Publix-brand merchandise. We buy several items from the Publix brand. Great quality and great price!
- I know there are many more reasons why shopping at Publix so pleasurable. What are yours?
I agree with your 10 reasons for sure...although I was a little disappointed in the buttercream frosting on Adam's 1st birthday cake-dare I say it tasted a little "shortening-like" and not all creamy like they used to?
ReplyDeleteOur customer service is awesome, too-there is this one "kid" who I always seek out when I need something because he is so on top of it and knows everything about everything...I really need to let the manager know how much he rocks. And SPEAKING OF CUSTOMER SERVICE-yesterday teh dairy manager gave me a 1/2 gallon of ORGANIC whole milk for Adam for a buck. yup- a buck. he saw me getting the milk I was going to buy and offered it to me as it is no longer being carried by Publix and went in the back to get it for me! And also told me that he is marking a TON of dairy stuff down on Sat. morning if I want some more good deals...
My #11 would be that they load up your groceries for you(which wasn't a big deal, and I never let them, until Adam came along!)and my favorite bagger/loader Terry. He is a mentally challenged man of about 60 and I just love him. He has worked there 10 years and he is such a joy. I can't always understand what he says to me, but just seeing him puts a smile on my face. Adam loves it when he pushes him out they have a mutual lovefest going on.
I am not only a fan of their subs, but their chicken tenders and fried chicken are most excellent.
Enough all ready! I gotta get to bed!
I love the BOGOs! I'll have to try the chicken thing - I am always afraid to ask for it, but that could be Sam's dinner every night! There's one cashier at "my" Publix who always asks where my daughter is if Sam isn't with me - she has been around since Sam was a newborn. But there are also a few people that I know to avoid when we go... stupid customer service guy who has NO sense of urgency what.so.ever.
ReplyDeleteI love this. and Publix.
ReplyDelete:)
Great post!
Ms. 33 for a Moment,
ReplyDeleteWhile we appreciate your feedback, please cease and desist from posting photos of our stores on your blog. Publix retains the rights in perpetuity of all electronic captures on our property.
You have until January 30, 2010 to remove said photographs or be forced to carry a special savings card for any Publix purchases.
Phillip S. Houghton
Vice President
Publix South
Oh Kate looks so cute! This list was cute but seeing Kate small again was also a treat. Karen, my 55 fiction story is about my first time having to shop for groceries all on my own. It was scary. I had to follow a budget and not forget any important items. Maybe if I had a Publix it wouldn't have traumatized me so much ;) Man, free chicken tender AND a cookie? Don't let Chloe see this. She'll want us to move. She loves nuggies!
ReplyDeleteWe *heart* Publix, too. And from experience, they do give balloons for free; you even get to pick your color:-). My only complaint - the rocketship cart is like driving a semi and I can wipe out displays trying to turn the darn though down an aisle. Oh, and we would always use the penny coupon, until the moved it to Thursdays this month. Boo...
ReplyDeleteI love Publix too! We don't have one where I live now and I miss it terribly ... especially their yummy subs! And, I did not know about the free chicken tender for kids, will have to check that out next time I'm at a Publix.
ReplyDeleteThere bread! They have the best bread from there bakery, we love their hard rolls, french baguettes,five grain Italian bread and bunches of other loaves of bread that they will slice for you!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you!!! But I did NOT know about the free chicken tender?!?!?! I will be trying that out for sure when I am at Publix with Liam this week!!!
ReplyDeleteTell your friend Holly to try Publix's cream cheese frosting- I am not even a frosting fan and my mouth waters just thinking about this. It is wonderful on any kind of cake!!!!
I love PUblix, too. And what a good idea bout saving the little gifts for OCC?!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up!
Our grocery stores have free cookies for the kiddos too. I must admit, sometimes I take a bit or two myself. I don't want him filled up on sugar, you know?
ReplyDeleteI really want a Publix. :(
ReplyDeleteWow, you really love your Publix! We don't have them in these here parts, but sounds like a great company!
ReplyDeleteOh, we love Publix.
ReplyDeleteWe love their trick or treating promo at Halloween. My son adores getting his treats there.
The apple turnovers, the cinnamon rings -- those are awesome, too.
Going to have to check out this chicken thing, though I don't think my son would eat it. He prefers their popcorn chicken :).
I'm also a HUGE Publix fan! Ours gives free pickles to kids in the deli (also Atlanta area), and they made my wedding cake. Yum. Leave a comment on their website. I did it a few years ago, and they were SO appreciative. The manager called me to let me know they hung it up in the break room and shared it with the staff. So nice.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new Publix shopper but I must say that I agree with you completely! I went last week and all I could think was "I Heart Publix!" With the BOGO plus coupons they really have great prices. I didn't know about the cookie and chicken tender though...we'll be checking that out soon!
ReplyDeleteI wish we had a PUblix! Your cakes at Kate's parties have been awesome. This post made me hungry. :)
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