Publix at Colony Plaza

[gomoho]

A perfect example of what competition can do for the market place. In preparation for the new Sweetbay opening down the road Publix is putting a new face on the store. Check out the re-arranged produce section and the new fancy meat counter. Hats off to them for working to keep their customers. A nice update - hope more are in the works.:BigApplause:

[Penguin]

A perfect example of what competition can do for the market place. In preparation for the new Sweetbay opening down the road Publix is putting a new face on the store. Check out the re-arranged produce section and the new fancy meat counter. Hats off to them for working to keep their customers. A nice update - hope more are in the works.:BigApplause:

Sounds like smart business practice. Glad its still happening these days.

[NotGolfer]

Too bad the "foot-print" of that Publix wasn't a bit larger!!! The others north of 466 seem to be twice it's size or maybe half again as big.

But as you say---competition is a good thing!

[janmcn]

If Publix is gearing up for competition, why didn't they choose to open another store south of 466A when they had the chance? IMO, they run a much better operation than SweetBay.

[Duvalboomer]

A perfect example of what competition can do for the market place. In preparation for the new Sweetbay opening down the road Publix is putting a new face on the store. Check out the re-arranged produce section and the new fancy meat counter. Hats off to them for working to keep their customers. A nice update - hope more are in the works.:BigApplause:

Seems to me lowering their prices would be a better move. I could care less about a face lift

[ilovetv]

If Publix is gearing up for competition, why didn't they choose to open another store south of 466A when they had the chance? IMO, they run a much better operation than SweetBay.

Maybe they'll build one along Hwy. 44 by Brownwood or in it. There will be probably 20,000 more people living between Colony and Brownwood in a short while and they'll need a Publix by Brownwood.

[skip0358]

Maybe they'll build one along Hwy. 44 by Brownwood or in it. There will be probably 20,000 more people living between Colony and Brownwood in a short while and they'll need a Publix by Brownwood.

There is a 2nd store slated for next year as per Publix Management.

[kittygilchrist]

:p
IMO Publix is so far ahead of Sweetbay in every way including low price, I kinda doubt they are doing anything reactive. Publix has been my store since I can remember being old enough to use a credit card. Don't mess with Publix.

[Happinow]

I was just in Publix this morning and they also rearranged their baked goods section. They were also handing out samples of the meats and cheeses on sale left and right. It actually works....Not only did I buy some ham that I went in for, I also bought some of the roast beef they gave me a sample of. If I hadn't had a sample of it I would have never bought it. Pretty smart of them if you ask me. I also like when they make the meals as you walk in and give samples of what they have made. A lot of them are real good and I have made them for dinner. It's another way they get customers to buy more products.

[gocubsgo]

I just heard that Winn Dixie now owns Sweetbay and Bi Lo? Is this correct? Wow...talk about a monopoly on grocery chains around here! I will stick with Publix. I love that deli of theirs!

[jblum315]

Publix is not gonna get left behind! There's a reason they're No. 1

[Indydealmaker]

I just heard that Winn Dixie now owns Sweetbay and Bi Lo? Is this correct? Wow...talk about a monopoly on grocery chains around here! I will stick with Publix. I love that deli of theirs!

Actually, Winn Dixie is owned by Bi-Lo Holdings which also now owns Sweetbay as well as other smaller chains.

[DianeM]

Publix is a good store but I kinda like Sweetbay.

[LuckySevens]

I think Sweetbay and Winn Dixie are more expensive than Publix....not that Publix is cheap. They run about 20-25% more expensive than my home in the midwest.

[Shimpy]

Just for your info, I bought an item in Walgreens that was in the $15.00 range and then went to Publix and it was $5.00 cheaper in their pharmacy dept. I was suprised. Publix is the best around as far as I'm concerned. My only complaint would be they are almost always asking for donations for one cause or another or there is almost always somebody out front asking for money. I usually go there about 3 times a week and can't be donating every time I go.
ALSO, have you ever had a bad shopping cart at Publix? Have you ever had a good shopping cart at Walmart? Little things make a difference.

[gomoho]

Wow you're right about the carts - never realized it!

[Patty55]

I've seen them blow drying the carts.

Walking out the groceries was a little weird at first, but now I'm good with it because the people who work there are cool.

[kittygilchrist]

take something back to Publix with no receipt. money refunded.
item rings up differently than ad or shelf price, you get it free.
but ya'll go to Sweetbay, ok? I'm not used to being third in line ever at Publix.

[jblum315]

I remember the bad old days when almost every supermarket cart was broken, or had at least had one bad wheel. The carts at Publix are all perfect and perfectly clean. I show my appreciation by always returning my cart to the cart garage.

[DougB]

I've noticed Publix carts are the cart of choice for many of our homeless.

[kittygilchrist]

I've noticed Publix carts are the cart of choice for many of our homeless.

doug, don't stop. :1rotfl:

[capecodbob]

Just for your info, I bought an item in Walgreens that was in the $15.00 range and then went to Publix and it was $5.00 cheaper in their pharmacy dept. I was suprised. Publix is the best around as far as I'm concerned. My only complaint would be they are almost always asking for donations for one cause or another or there is almost always somebody out front asking for money. I usually go there about 3 times a week and can't be donating every time I go.
ALSO, have you ever had a bad shopping cart at Publix? Have you ever had a good shopping cart at Walmart? Little things make a difference.

Don't remember having a bad "cart" at either store but I've had good shopping experiences at Publix and even had an exceptional one at Walmart.

[DougB]

What the heck is an exceptional shopping experience???

[zcaveman]

My only complaint would be they are almost always asking for donations for one cause or another or there is almost always somebody out front asking for money.

Just say no - like I do.

Z

[kittygilchrist]

Publix also hires us old folks for whatever we can do and some of us with mild mental issues to do bagging.
I have been disappointed with new stores here that not all staff know exactly where everything is. I'm spoiled.

[KathieI]

I just shopped this evening at Publix and was very pleasantly surprised with the whole store redo. It is as good now as the one in Southern Trace, which I have been going to to avoid all the traffic in Colony. They have a butcher dept and a better fish monger which makes me very happy. Hats off :ho:to Publix for bringing Colony up to better standards.

I still thinks they're prices and Sweetbays are great compared to NY and LA... So I'm a happy customer.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

take something back to Publix with no receipt. money refunded.
item rings up differently than ad or shelf price, you get it free.
but ya'll go to Sweetbay, ok? I'm not used to being third in line ever at Publix.

A friend of my wife works for Publix. They are a great company for their employees. They do indeed take back everything including products purchased at other stores. My wife's friend says that she was shocked to see them take back products that they don't even sell.

[Challenger]

Just say no - like I do.

Z

"and, may we always be mindful or the needs of others". Good going Publix

:clap2:

[Shirleevee]

I just shopped this evening at Publix and was very pleasantly surprised with the whole store redo. It is as good now as the one in Southern Trace, which I have been going to to avoid all the traffic in Colony. They have a butcher dept and a better fish monger which makes me very happy. Hats off :ho:to Publix for bringing Colony up to better standards.

I still thinks they're prices and Sweetbays are great compared to NY and LA... So I'm a happy customer.


Oh Kathie, I must disagree, compared to Staten Island, the food here (Publix), is much more expensive. I was talking to a woman from Boston and she agreed.........no great prices here.

[Mimivillager]

I like the small carts at Sweetbay when shopping for just a few items. Also there are certain items which are cheaper there and some that I can't get at Publix. I shop both places since I live halfway between them. I have only found Lebanon bologna at Sweetbay. I read the food ads weekly and shop smart.

[graciegirl]

Oh Kathie, I must disagree, compared to Staten Island, the food here (Publix), is much more expensive. I was talking to a woman from Boston and she agreed.........no great prices here.

You know Shirleevee, I was thinkin' along the same lines. Just yesterday about food prices. One orange cost $1.69...They were that a pound and I weighed one. You can get three lemons for two bucks and limes were equally high. They grow here for petes sake. I was going to take all of the lecturing by Villages Pl and Jimbo to heart and buy a LOT more fresh vegetables and fruits but my stars they certainly aren't as cheap as they were about six months ago.

We would go back to Ohio when we were snowbirding and be able to buy food that was less expensive for the same items...EVEN CITRUS. I don't know now about the difference since we live here year around coming up on two years.

But it is nice that the competition and free enterprise causes some improvement in the local grocery stores. I hope they have price wars soon.

[kittygilchrist]

You know Shirleevee, I was thinkin' along the same lines. Just yesterday about food prices. One orange cost $1.69...They were that a pound and I weighed one. You can get three lemons for two bucks and limes were equally high. They grow here for petes sake. I was going to take all of the lecturing by Villages Pl and Jimbo to heart and buy a LOT more fresh vegetables and fruits but my stars they certainly aren't as cheap as they were about six months ago.

We would go back to Ohio when we were snowbirding and be able to buy food that was less expensive for the same items...EVEN CITRUS. I don't know now about the difference since we live here year around coming up on two years.

But it is nice that the competition and free enterprise causes some improvement in the local grocery stores. I hope they have price wars soon.

citrus isn't ripe here until fall/winter...then I can get you some from local friends.

[graciegirl]

citrus isn't ripe here until fall/winter...then I can get you some from local friends.


Now...that makes sense. Thank goodness for the wisdom of friends.

[KathieI]

Oh Kathie, I must disagree, compared to Staten Island, the food here (Publix), is much more expensive. I was talking to a woman from Boston and she agreed.........no great prices here.

You all are probably right, but I should clarify.. NY is a big place... when I say, NY, I'm talking about Manhattan because that's where I lived. D'Agostino was very expensive. The other boroughs of NY had stores that were much less expensive. Many times I bought my fruits and veggies in the small deli's that were extremely expensive but so delicious.

[skip0358]

You all are probably right, but I should clarify.. NY is a big place... when I say, NY, I'm talking about Manhattan because that's where I lived. D'Agostino was very expensive. The other boroughs of NY had stores that were much less expensive. Many times I bought my fruits and veggies in the small deli's that were extremely expensive but so delicious.

Prices are higher on Long Island also trust me. Last time I was up there had to run to the store thought I'd have to take out a loan. Off topic but Went to our old favorite watering hole paid $9.00 for a bottle of beer, gas was .35 per gallon more.
I'll take Publix prices and TV's watering hole prices any day. Just reminds me why we left.

[kittygilchrist]

Now...that makes sense. Thank goodness for the wisdom of friends.

We'll ride over to my brother's in Crystal River and pick 'em ourselves. fun!

[ROCKETMAN]

:p
IMO Publix is so far ahead of Sweetbay in every way including low price, I kinda doubt they are doing anything reactive. Publix has been my store since I can remember being old enough to use a credit card. Don't mess with Publix.

Publix in colony did not do the upgrading because of sweetbay opening a new store. Every store budgets x amount of dollars each year after they have been open for 5 years to make upgrades. The colony store is still doing 820,000 a week in sales which by the time a new store opens will be close to a million a week even in summer. I hope a new store opens in the winter of 2015.

[gomoho]

Sooooo I guess it was just a coincidence the upgrades came just prior to Sweetbay opening??? And with the fabulous amount of business they do why would they spend the money to attract more people when the place was busting at the seams already? I think Sweetbay played a big part in the update.

[kittygilchrist]

Publix upgrading and expanding all deli sections - Sun Sentinel (http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-01-19/business/sfl-publix-upgrading-and-expanding-all-deli-sections-20120118_1_lakeland-based-grocer-deli-publix-spokeswoman)

uncle? :)

[The Buckeyes]

Competition is one of the many things that has made this country great. If a Walmart supercenter was to be built on say 44 I would bet the prices at Publix would drop.

[gomoho]

Publix upgrading and expanding all deli sections - Sun Sentinel (http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-01-19/business/sfl-publix-upgrading-and-expanding-all-deli-sections-20120118_1_lakeland-based-grocer-deli-publix-spokeswoman)

uncle? :)

Not quite yet:
1) The upgrades are being done in the south Florida stores.
2) Didn't notice or mention deli upgrades - a new fancy meat counter, a new
look to the produce, and a re-arranged bakery someone else noted are
what is happening in the Colony Plaza store.

[jblum315]

Not quite yet:
1) The upgrades are being done in the south Florida stores.
2) Didn't notice or mention deli upgrades - a new fancy meat counter, a new
look to the produce, and a re-arranged bakery someone else noted are
what is happening in the Colony Plaza store.

Also a new meat dept. looks like a butcher shop

[rn1tv]

I don't believe anyone compared the level of customer service (except returning items) between Publix and Sweetbay. At Publix, if you cannot find an item, they walk you to it; staff are available on the floor to assist customers; they insist on taking your groceries to the car; employees have smiles on their faces; the list can go on and on. Unfortunately, you do not find any of the many things that make shopping pleasurable at Sweetbay...some of their employees look as though they hate being there and, I swear, there is a woman who works in the deli that must eat razor blades for breakfast...down right nasty! I do agree it would nice if Publix added smaller carts for smaller purchases

[SALYBOW]

Seems to me lowering their prices would be a better move. I could care less about a face lift

I am always appalled when I see the price of deli meats at Publix. You can shop at Fresh Market cheaper that that, I think Sweetbay's prices will get more of their business than the trappings they improve.

[ROCKETMAN]

Sooooo I guess it was just a coincidence the upgrades came just prior to Sweetbay opening??? And with the fabulous amount of business they do why would they spend the money to attract more people when the place was busting at the seams already? I think Sweetbay played a big part in the update.

Yes it is a coincidence. This was planned long before sweetbay announced their new store. These upgrades are done at every publix eventually. with 1060 stores these things are done from the store with the lowest sales to the store with the highest sales.

[gomoho]

Rocketman I would like to believe you, but you are going to have to tell me your sources.

[graciegirl]

Rocketman I would like to believe you, but you are going to have to tell me your sources.


Seems like a good time for that Publix at Colony to spruce up and stay in the game.

They should have a little in the sock tucked away since it was making more money than any store in the chain according to my sources.

I think gomoho is right. They have to be doing it at this time for a reason.

It could be that it was planned ahead but if I were CEO of Publix, I would tidy and freshen that store a bit RIGHT NOW.

[eca44]

Publix is the best. Specially the buy one get one free items.

[ROCKETMAN]

Rocketman I would like to believe you, but you are going to have to tell me your sources.

Go in the door and hang a right and stop in the managers office-jack or mark will explain why they are doing the upgrades. They could open 5 sweetbays in the villages and it still wouldn't affect publix. Like the post above stated it seems like their employees hate working there.

[KathieI]

Go in the door and hang a right and stop in the managers office-jack or mark will explain why they are doing the upgrades. They could open 5 sweetbays in the villages and it still wouldn't affect publix. Like the post above stated it seems like their employees hate working there.

I agree with you Rocketman,, I really don't believe the upgrade was because of competition, that kinda of planning goes way down a chain of events in retail, from 5 year planning and budgetary considerations, to market analysis, to an analysis of store activity plans. Every store resets their store planning 2 x a year and they plan a total redo prob every 5 to 7 years. Its part of a large merchandising program.

HOWEVER,,, let me say this... the staff in the Sweetbay Villages store look like they are very discontent and unhappy but if you were to go to the Sweetbay in Belleview, you would be amazingly surprised. Everyone there is extremely friendly, so nice, it was scary, LOL.... So I think it has to do with a lot of other issues,,, perhaps we villagers are not very nice to the store staff at Sweetbay in the Villages???? Did ya ever think???

[Madelaine Amee]

Oh Kathie, I must disagree, compared to Staten Island, the food here (Publix), is much more expensive. I was talking to a woman from Boston and she agreed.........no great prices here.

You can shop in the North East at Market Basket much cheaper than here - but you also have to push your shopping cart through snow for about five months of the year! Personally, I'm perfectly happy to pay a bit more and live here - what I spend on groceries I save on a winter coat and winter boots - ever thought of that?

[ROCKETMAN]

I agree with you Rocketman,, I really don't believe the upgrade was because of competition, that kinda of planning goes way down a chain of events in retail, from 5 year planning and budgetary considerations, to market analysis, to an analysis of store activity plans. Every store resets their store planning 2 x a year and they plan a total redo prob every 5 to 7 years. Its part of a large merchandising program.

HOWEVER,,, let me say this... the staff in the Sweetbay Villages store look like they are very discontent and unhappy but if you were to go to the Sweetbay in Belleview, you would be amazingly surprised. Everyone there is extremely friendly, so nice, it was scary, LOL.... So I think it has to do with a lot of other issues,,, perhaps we villagers are not very nice to the store staff at Sweetbay in the Villages???? Did ya ever think???

We have friends who live in oklawaha and they love the sweetbay in bellview. Publix biggest competition is from walmart just like it is for any grocery retailer. That is why you see the comparison prices on tv and in the paper. As for lunch meat I can't believe $8.00 a pound. I get the buffalo chicken butterball brand at walmart,