Publix Super Markets
reviews and complaints

I recently moved to Florida to retire. I have made many trips to Publix for groceries and I must say that the sotres are clean, the employees are very pleasant and helpful and I have never had to wait on a long line. Publix seems to be the only supermarket chain in this state.
My chief complaint is that their prices are extremely high and the quality of their products (store brands) are not good. I have purchased many of their store brands because the name brand products were just way too costly. Their own brands are very costly as well but are a little less than name brands. On many occasions, I have purchased items that ended up being spoiled, rotten, or just tasted off. This should not be happening, especially with the prices they charge their customers!
I would like to know why their prices are so ridiculously high. Florida has always been a haven for people who have worked hard thieir whole lives and move here to retire on fixed incomes. Publix needs to rethink their pricing policies especially since a lot of their customers are senior citizens. I would love an explanation from them on their pricing . Shame on you Publx!

The past few visits to my local Publix Grocery Store have revealed a true deficiency in their employees, management, and hiring practice|. In all three cases employees could not do basic math- in example- count change!. Additionally two of the three employees were unable to operate their cash registers and conduct simple transactions/. I have mentioned my experience to store and corporate management and over a six month period they have done nothing.. I visited the store in Fernandina Beach last evening and nothing had changed:. The same incompetent people work there'. I spoke with Mr/. Kilpatrick, the store manager personally, he was offended that I would call his people incompetant.

Publix cashier gave me a command not once but twice like I was the village ***.I tried to explain what I was doing. She didn't bother to listen to me and when I moved to another cashier, kept on making rude, unnecessary comments. Is that Publix's goal, to make customers feel ***? I called the manager but could tell he could have cared less. Bottom line, they have no manners or code of conduct. She didn't have a visible name tag or I would have provided her name. The date is 5/20/11. The Publix is in Margate at Rock Island and Atlantic Blvd. - Florida

I've worked at 3 publix's in fl. All in the central fl. One in st petersburg was fine when i started in customer service. Then they put the manager they still have now. And the acsm, who has a chip on her shoulder and won't work with anyone. They hired me but will not stand behind me. They agree with everything the customer says, even if they are wrong. I had a regular customer tell me that he didn't care what juice he got for wic, that i was going to accept it. Believe me, if i knew his name i would have turned him in to the wic people and he wouldn't be getting it anymore! My manager came over to lecture me because this ### complained. He said, we should treat them like kings and queens, right in front of other customers. I told him that i am not rude and i say, please and thank you to them. I refuse to treat them like kings and queens, when they talk to me the way he did.
I found out that the people in the bakery were working over 6 hours and not taking a lunch because they were too busy! Its against the law to do that but nobody will tell, so, it continues!
They had a bunch of pregnant girls up front, later known as the "baby club" because one was an acsm, one was a coordinator, one was in customer service and the other was a cashier. They always let each other get away with stuff. One day a cashier who was in high school, came over to me and said, i am so ready to quit today because of the way they run this place. She then told me that the cashier (Baby club) was told to turn her light off by the coordinator (Baby club) and the high school girl was told to open (She was bagging before) . So, she opened. The customer service girl (Baby club) came over to the cashier and gave her her baby to hold. The customer sevice girl was on lunch and the cashier was on the clock. They stood there and talked for awhile and then after 10 minutes of this the cashier turned back on her light and resumed working. The coordinator then told the one that was bagging that she could turn her light off and go back to bagging. It was a do as i say, not as i do situation. Very unfair but when you complain to corporate they come over, supposedly check it out and leave. Nothing changes! Corporate needs to make visits and not tell anyone they are coming, then they would see what is really going on!
They also had a guy who would work for a few months. They would give him 40 hour weeks, he would work nights, spending most of it leveling, he was a cashier. He was part time, which means only 35 hours tops. He didn't complain because he would leave for months and then come back and have his job again. Just because somebody doesn't complain does not mean there is not a problem!

I just want to share my worse experience. A friend of mine sent me $3000 via Western union and I went there to get money. there was a Publix Customer relation Asst. Manager( Publix is known as best customer service) Miss Young, she aked me to fill a form in order to recieve the money, and later her assistent told me that according to her system, they dont have enough cash now, but they can get me check. I said that is fine with me, I was with my family ( 2 kids; 4 and 2 years), we were planing to go to Bank after getting check, and later it was plan to go to Park.
the time we got to Public ( store # 00351, kissimmee FL), by 2:30 PM, and

the Asst manager asked my ID, I gave her my Drivers license, later sh asked for my social security card. My wife gave her my card and after 5 minute she told us, " I NEED A VALID ID"
( she does not consider state IDs as a valid Id). I left my family there and came to home to get Valid ID, I took my passport and my BIRTH CARTIFICATE to prove that I am a human and live in this country.
in a nutshell, when I gave her these IDS, she said that wait for 25 minute, coz she was not sure that if my friend had sent me money or not. I have email from my friend stating that she has sent me money and I had conformation # too, but she just asked us to wait.
by 4 pm, she took her bag and just left( her shift was over), and she did not bother herself to tell us that what was going on.
later another lady came and she got all info again and in 5 minute she has given my check of $3000.

Dear buyers, you sell piblix 2liter diet orange, black cherry, lemon lime, cola, but you do not sell diet cream.. Why not? I love diet cream, but I must buy another brand, which is alot more money then the piblix brands, because you do not sell it.. I am very confused by this... Sincerely yours, mrs helen penzel

I have to totally agree with you guys, , i see it also.. We had the bakery manager screwing two female deli clerks two years ago. What a mess, , Bakery manager got demoted to bakery and was shipped out.. 8 months later he was an asst bakery manager, 6 months after that he was back to bakery manager... Thats just one true story, got 3 more storys.. As the hard workers get screwed, i know a bunch of workers [OWNERS] that are hard workers cant make it to manager who have taken the test, never late, never outta of work, never become manager... sad.. Dont get it.. Today you gotta lie, cheat to get ahead, .. I have worked with store managers and department managers who sit in the office and eat all day and play on there cell phones.. No lie.. Setting the example i guess... Leadership is gone.. Back in the old Publix days, managers with all go to a John Maxwell, Brain Tracey or Zig Zigler Leadership Conventions... My first department manager 11 years ago was handicap couldnt use his right arm and had a weak right leg. ok.. BUT MAN, WOULD THAT GUY WORK... Setting the example.. Old Publix managers loved our Publix... I just dont see that anymore with them, pay check is all they care about..Now with this new schedule system you going to see your managers sitting on there butts warming up the seats even more... thank you.

On January 18th, 2011 while shopping at Publix Supermarket, I was injured when, as a result of Publix’ negligence, I slipped on water left on the store’s floor in a commonly used shopping area, and twisted my back muscles while trying to catch myself from falling as a result.

I picked up a few items that afternoon and headed towards the front cash. I was right in front of the main aisle when without any warning I slipped and my right leg went out from under me, with my left leg trying to stabilize and balance my body. I immediately felt a pull in my groin area on the left side as well as pain and tightness in my mid and lower back area on the right side of my back as well as muscle twitches. Once both feet were back on the ground, I looked down and noticed a puddle of water on the floor.

I stopped and looked around to see where the water could have been coming from and to find someone to report the puddle to. As I walked towards the check lanes to notify someone about the water, I noticed there were also two more puddles of water on the floor leading up to the front cash area in the front speedway. I told a cashier and then proceeded to speak to one of the managers on duty, and let her know immediately what had happened to me. I then filled out a customer incident report at the customer service desk, as asked to do, wherein I described the incident.

I paid for my groceries and drove home to ice my back. I applied ice to my back on and off for the rest of the day and then went to see a walk in clinic doctor since I don’t have healthcare coverage. After being seen by the doctor he ran a variety of tests and had me show him various movements and extensions and determined that I had muscle tension, soft tissue damage, muscle spasms and prescribed me with a muscle relaxant as well as Ibuprofen for the pain. He also instructed me to continue icing my back for a few more days after which point I could introduce heat. My doctor also recommended Chiropractic care and massage to alleviate the pain and tension. I have visited both and while I have had some momentary relief of pain during treatments, shortly after the treatment the pain resumes. My doctor therefore is requiring me to continue chiropractic and massage therapy treatment.

After my second doctor’s visit, I was prescribed more muscle relaxants and also prescription strength ibuprofen to ease the pain and help me to fall asleep at night. Noting that there was no improvement in my condition and in fact in some areas the pain has become worse, as now I’m experiencing new pains such as in my neck and left shoulder. The doctor has also prescribed ongoing physical therapy at a minimum of 3x per week. My chiropractor has also prescribed ongoing treatment to attend to physical pain and restrictions in my range of motion.

During my initial recovery any sudden movement in my bed caused pain to shoot down my leg and up my spine. Sleeping immediately proved to be uncomfortable as I usually sleep on my back or right side, which is now the side that I experience the most back pain. I experience loss of sleep and pain as I toss and turn.

Thanks to Publix, I suffered and continue to suffer ongoing pain and discomfort now and into the foreseeable future, which greatly alters and hinders my quality of life and work productivity. I require ongoing Doctors visits, Chiropractic treatment, Rehabilitative Physical therapy, massage therapy, prescriptions and time off work to recover.

As a further result of Publix’s negligence I was unable to work effectively for the first (4) weeks. I wound up losing $6500 in lost wages/work opportunities during the busiest season of my business.

When I first spoke to Publix’s Risk Management department that called me, they tried to write off my pain and suffering with a $500 check. Then they tried to up it slightly to $1000, after learning of the doctor’s report. After I spent a several hundred dollars in expenses they tried to increase that amount very slightly even though the doctor wanted to enroll me in 4 weeks of physical therapy 3x per week which is $1500. The whole time I spoke to Publix’s Risk Management Department they kept telling me they couldn’t offer any more and that when I signed off, Publix would no longer be responsible for any future medical care expenses, etc.

Of course, with ongoing expenses I wasn’t quick to jump at their offer. I was treated rudely, being told at one point by the ‘claims adjuster’ that she felt my treatments were overlapping. Physical therapy, chiropractic care and massage do work together well but are three totally different treatments. This was insulting to someone who had experienced so much pain as a result of their company.

I have since consulted with a lawyer and I keep getting voicemail messages from their Risk Management department letting me know that if I don’t make a decision shortly how I’d like to proceed (mind you this was 3 weeks after submitting a demand letter that they asked me to) that they would have to close the case.

This is unethical and very poor business practice for a Fortune 500 company of Publix stature and reputation. When the Risk Management department asked me for a ‘demand letter’ wherein I was to provide full details of all medical receipts, experiences, pain and income lost as well as future expenses not yet rendered (ie: the physical therapy), I received a letter a few days letter letting me know that the previous offer still stood firm.

Might I mention that Publix does not issue an injured party any compensation as the expenses roll in. It all has to all be paid upfront and then they will reimburse you. Well, in the case of physical therapy, I did not have $1500 to pay and they didn’t want to pay until I had fully completed the 12 visits. This is a catch-22 for someone like myself, without any health care coverage who cannot afford such an amount.

I am extremely upset by the way Publix has handled my case, what’s more frustrating is when they send me letters referring to the case that conclude with the statement “we hope you will continue to shop at Publix”. Seriously?!

To date I have not received a dime from Publix because they are not willing to consider the future treatment that my Chiropractor, Massage Therapist and Doctor have outlined. They are very quick to write a very small check that barely covers the expenses of my care so they can wipe their hands and be done with it. I tried to speak to my claims adjuster’s manager to no avail. I am utterly frustrated with this company that ironically has a motto of “Where shopping is a pleasure”. Let me assure you that I will not be spending another cent in their stores.

Publix President/CEO Todd Jones: If you are reading this, you know how to contact me as I have now written you and mailed you a copy of the documents that I have sent to Risk Management as it pertains to my injuries. I look forward to resolving this quickly so I can get the care for my injuries that I require.

Publix is the most expesive supermarket in South Florida and the food they sell ***. Their produce is always rotton or dried out but they overchargefor it. I got violently sick from their plum tomatoes. And I have been unable to get out of bed for the past two days. They rip off the poor with rotten food. Their meats are also dry and going bad. It is time to report them to tge better business bureau and sue them for trying to murder the public. I feel we the public should put an end to haven our money stolen by this company. Time we took a stand for better service.

Well,, lets see now... The deli life, must say not fun.. Deli deptments always have there problems, yes,, we all know deli life is not easy at all... We never have many workers behind that counter when it comes down to it.. Just make sure you {deli dogs} sell that boars head no matter how many customers are waiting... Deli departments,, what fun indeed... We at publix need not to worry about making our labor and loading our pockets,, cutting help.. I have been to many stores everywhere deli departments are not a pretty scene,, with just a couple of workers behind the counter,,, customers having to wait.. Workers are told they need to up sell product and if they do not,, they may not get a raise..? Wow.. Some of them deli departments are not with a cleaning program... Health department is out there checking on this... Nite cleaning and customers come first!.. Get more help in them deli departments so our customers dont have to wait forever and our workers are not beat to the bone... Facts... Publix is rich thanks to mr george...

Customer ahead of me allowed to have sale item without cupon. I was not allowed to have a one cent box of crackers and when I protested the casher pushed my buggy holding $60 worth of grocers out of line and all the way to customer service.I was embarrased and in no mood to be patronized by Gary the manager. I don't have to have the old stale (one cent) crackers but did expect some reason from the employees. I will do all I can to let others know of this unkind treatment in Publix, Phenix City, AL.

I have work for publix for four years, and has been denied 3 raise

i work my but off and it still don't matter try to get along with co-worker

but it seem they try to out do intend of working with you.

trying to get full time and the next thing it's someone coming in with less

experise get full time for it's the one that kiss up get what they want

if you try to do the best you can do it' like you don't even matter i just

keep my head up.

Hola ; es una pena que siendo una compania tan buena y a la ve z se esta poniendo cara los comerciales mientan tanto debido que nada que dice en ellos es cierto, porque la cajeras son groseras, los carniceros ni le quieren hablar al cliente lo tratan a uno como que las cosas son regaladas no quieren cortar nada como dice el comercial, la panaderia peor, que pasa gente la humanidad el calor humano se perdio o que pasa. Para mi es duro de la manera que tratan a las personas en especial aquellas que no hablan el idioma ingles. A veces a uno que habla la lengua no quieren ni tratarlo se que se van a sorprender por esto pero veo y quiero que lo arreglen y no mientan en los comerciales, otra cosa tienen que chequear los banos estan sucios en especial la tiende de central fl parway en orlando, fl ya se les ha dicho y no limpian.
Disculpen pero queremos que tengan conciencia de las mentiras que le dan a la tv y bajen los precio estan muy caros vayan y miren todo super caro la deli super caro tienen que tener productos para todos los clientes no solo los que tienen palta antes habia variadad de carnes en la deli. Gracias [protected] sonia e seoane

I have visited there Madison, Al. store on University Dr. Several times and each time there assistant meat manager Ted Olmstead has been very rude when I asked him for something. He acts like he's about ready to explode with anger, they may have hired a protential cereal killer.I guess I pissed him off somehow, he gives me a dirty look each time I go In there.

Now He follows me around the store giving me dirty looks. What kind of employess do Publix hire? If he thinks I'm doing something lets go ahead and make an accursation then I can sue and get a check from Publix. What can be done about this? This store is close to my home and I would like to keep shopping there.

very pretentious and rude deli worker. Female who was just rude and weird. It was closing and she took a long time...and was going really slow. She was asking me to repeat something many times plus keep asking "this--u want this? want this? do u Want this"? very rude...then to top it off she made the sandwich wrong and forgot ingredients...then wanted to redo the entire sandwich...just a bad attitude...sometimes at that location the deli workers can be really bad and rude...for no reason

I live close to this Publix and shop there several tmes per week, for the last few times I've shopped there one of there employees. Ted Olmstead assist. Meat Manger has been very rude to me, very angry looks. And the last few times he has followed me around the store giving me dirty looks. Well I don't know what he is thinking, but that is very unusual treament, if he thinks I did something, then let him say or make an accursation. Then I can hire an atorney to sue.

I shopped at this Publix and my bill came to $126.10. I was busy entering my credit card information when an employee started assisting the cashier. I had already put much of the groceries in bags. I left the store and when I got to my car I noticed the 4 Roll package of Kleenex Viva Paper Towels was missing. I backtracked to the store with my cart. I told the cashier and the employee that helped told me she put them on the bottom rack of the shopping cart. I explained that they were not in my car and I looked all over the entire path I had taken. She got the manager.

I waited for the manager, Kelly Ortman who went back into the office and came back to tell me I left with the paper towels. I explained that they were missing and that the assistant stuck them on the bottom rack where heavy items like bottled water or Pet Food goes. A light, slippery 4 pack of paper towels may have fallen off, I didn't hear anything and I had already covered the path I had taken to my car. At this point she basically told me that I left the store with the item and there is nothing she can do about it, she was not pleasant about this.

I offered to show them my car to prove that I was no some thief trying to get another 6 dollar package of paper towels. I don't think I've ever made a complaint before but it was the principle and the amount of time I spent going back and forth looking for it. I went back to my car one more time and then back into the store and bought another package, waited in line and went one more time to the service desk to ask if anyone turned them in. At this point they were ignoring me so I asked for the store number: 0756 and the name of the manager. They told me "Kelly" and when I asked for a last name they rolled their eyes and told me,

To add insult to injury, when I arrived home and started carrying the bags, 2 of them broke open because the assistant had stuck 2 gallon water bottles in one flimsy bag. Very bad service and nasty attitude from the manager. I guess the "Customer is always wrong" at Publix in Jupiter.