Thursday, March 22, 2007

Publix Listens

An Email:

"from a March 13 post to Hampton Terrace blog:

Hello all. Two Publix notes I hope you will find of interest.....

#1 We will be receiving a shipment of shopping carts tomorrow, so hopefully we will always have a cart available when you come shopping. Keep letting me know when you see them out in the neighborhood, as I will still get them. (update - 38 additional carts were requested and received)

#2 I have been doing a soft opening time of 7:30 a.m. each day to see how business would be. No sign on the door, just opening them up. If you are running to work/school and need something, walk on it. We are open. I am still running numbers to see if this makes sense to do. The more you come in and buy, the closer it will be to a reality. Remember, the time on the door will still say 8, but doors are open at 7:30.

Sincerely,

Chuck Kaelin
your neighborhood Publix Manager"

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Publix sucks. Sweetbay opens at 7:00

Jay McGee said...

I don't think Publix sucks and my fiancee' said she did notice more carts there. That said, I don't think SweetBay sucks either. I probably go to SweetBay for convenience-sake, but I do think the staff of Publix is nicer.

Anonymous said...

Publix needs to worry less about WHEN they open and more about how their God awful staff treats customers once they get IN the store.

Anonymous said...

I travel to the South Dale Mabry store to shop, and I have always had a good experience.

Anonymous said...

Yay! More carts! It was embarrassing to have to walk up to people in the parking lot and ask for their cart.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a negative response to such a positive effort! Anyway, I think the 7:30 opening time is awesome. Sure, our publix is no Neptune and Dale Mabry store, but it's by far the best store in the neighborhood and they certainly do make a great effort to be a good business.

Anonymous said...

I have seen a great improvement in the way the store operates since the new management is there.

Anon 10:46 have you ever taken the time to talk to the manager about the issues you have had or is it just easier to BITCH anonymously on a blog.

SweetBay is just a pig's ear dressed up to look like a silk purse - the only thing that has changed is the sign on the store - IMHO. When their tax incentives for opening in an economic zone expire - see how long they stick around - reference Albertsons.
Publix rebuilt and committed to the neighborhood without any incentives - that's where my money goes and they are based in Lakeland so the money stays in the local economic region and in the state and their pay for employees is higher than other national chains....And no I am not the manager posting anonymously - I'm just a loyal shopper.

Anonymous said...

No, I don't have time to talk to the manager. I'm not going to talk to him about rude staff and long lines. That's his job.


You know what I do instead?

I shop somewhere else.

Anonymous said...

enjoy the Family Dollar.

Anonymous said...

I love our little neighborhood Publix; always have shopped there although it is not quite the same anymore. Ever since Albertson's closed down the customer base and employees have changed and I'm not as happy with my shopping experience as I used to be. The parking lot is so much more crowded no matter what time or day you go there, the cashiers and baggers carry on with their own personal conversation the whole time you are waiting in line as if there is no one else around then hardly say a word to you when you check out, there is never enough people to wait on the line of folks at the Deli counter, or at the customer service counter. Granted, all of this poor change is due to the over abundance of customers now and it shows. I never had to track down a shopping cart in the parking lot in the past but it has become a familiar proceedure anymore. What the area needs is another grocery store to take the place of the Albertson's. Most needed on the southside of Hillsborough Ave. other than just the Sweetbay.
(our Publix still has the nicest working carts if you can manage to get one)

Anonymous said...

How long do the tax incentives for opening in an economic zone last?
They ( KnK / Sweetbay) have already been there over 15 years.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 4:10 said...
"enjoy the Family Dollar."
I guess that's an endoesment as they're right across the street. When you're finished at Publix you can walk right over with out moving your car.

Anonymous said...

Remember that the KnK on Waters closed and you're seeing some of those people also

Anonymous said...

I love this Publix... My only compliant is they move the merchandise constantly. Everytime I go in to purchase an item I like, it has been moved. I always have to ask people were items are now.

Anonymous said...

Most grocery stores rotate the stock every so often. After a certain amount of time, regular shoppers learn where the things they really need are and they can bypass and ignore the stuff they don't need. This cuts down on the impulse buying of items that bring stores their highest profits.

You may just notice it more because it's such a small store.

Anonymous said...

Funny how no one has mentioned the Save-A-Lot on Hillsborough -- that's in Seminole Heights, too.

Anonymous said...

My experience in our Publix has varied. The majority of the time, it's pretty good. Since Albertsons closed down over on 22nd the lines have gotten long and tempers hot. But that has more to do with store size than anything else and there are plans to increase floor space.

My most recent experience in there was amazingly good. The meat department has a new manager and my request for an unusual cut of meat met with enthusiastic support, to the extent that I ended up with something far better than I had originally thought possible.

In general, the specialist staff is very, very nice and helpful. The checkout employees are often distant and brusk. I'd like a friendly face when I finally get up to the front and often can't even get the cashier to look me in the eye. But then again, if you had to deal with frustrated shoppers waiting in lines all day long, maybe you'd be over it too.

My recommendation: Do not shop at our Publix on Sundays. At all. It's a very busy day. Avoid it M-F during the "drive home" times too. It's better to shop there after 6pm.

Oh, and a MINOR gripe: The quick line has a sign that says "Less Than 10 Items." That means 9 or Less. Most people see the "10" and think "10 or less". Why not just label it "10 or Less" ??! Why the tortured lesson in logic? :-)

Anonymous said...

That Save-A-Lot near the river is a crappy store. In comparison to the now over burdened Publix, I'd rather put up with them.

Anonymous said...

Hey Anon 3:19 provide some solutions and quit complaining!

Anonymous said...

If our Publix will increase floor space, it will alleviate my pet peeve - having restocking carts blocking the aisles at the same time we have looky-loos moving their carts sloooowly down the aisles while they try to make something resembling a decision... without even moving their carts out of the middle of the aisle.

Oh, that and people who get into the express lane ahd count pennies, or argue with the cashier about whether or not coupons get honored after the sale is rung up, or send somebody back to the meat department to get an 11-th or 12-th item that they "forgot".

Folks, you aren't beating "the system". You're just pissing off the customers in line behind you, and believe me we'll remember what your face looks like the next time you want to get ahead of us in line because you've only got one item.

Anonymous said...

Okay here's a solution...the Publix on Nebraska should take some of the cash it is making off the increased customers and hire more staff.

Don't just put it into the Jenkins' pockets.

During busy times, have the staff man all the check out registers.

And managers shouldn't be above getting their azz behind a register and checking people out or bagging their groceries.

I've been in the Nebraska Publix during busy times and the managers don't offer any support to employees. At the Publix on Hillsborough I see managers helping out all the time.

Anonymous said...

anon 11:43

I have seen the new manager on the registers, bagging groceries, working the bakery and the deli. If you want him to resolve an issue for you but he is on register ringing out groceries then do you want him to stop in the middle of the order and go find out why they don't carry your brand of mustard thereby pissing of all the people in the line that he just had to close to please you? As managers they also have to manage the store so you won't always see them on a register.

Overall, considering the influx of demanding people as a result of the Alberrtson's closing, I think they are doing as well as to be expected.

Anonymous said...

I can never find the canned fried onions; does anyone know where they are?

Anonymous said...

I shop our Publix 2-5 times a week..I'm one of those run-in for tonight's dinner....never planning (well) ahead of time.

Yes, sometimes it's busy, and people block the narrow aisles of our small store.

But I find the help, for the most part, and all of the managers to be superb. And they do jump in and get busy with whatever needs doing...registers, deli, bakery, checking prices, helping staff with issues.

So I feel we are very lucky to have 'our' Publix.

However, 2 things that have been my pet peeves there are: having to wait behind lottery ticket buyers at the customer service (that's everywhere, tho...but I hate it), and the deli is slow. Usually is one person slicing/serving customers, while right next to her are the ones who make sandwiches to order standing there with no customers, but will not jump over and help in the deli.

I really think it's good to put these things here on the blog, because I'm very sure the Publix Mgr. reads these comments.

And to finish with a positive...the Publix has been tons better since the new manager came on board...he really cares and lives in the neighborhood. He's one of us!

Anonymous said...

2:16...Durkee French Fried Onion cans are in the canned Veggie isle on the bottom shelf under the cans of green beans. Guess that is because of the famous green bean casserole, it is right there.

2:27... I agree with you on the lotto-ticket buyers, there should be a separate line for them with a clerk dealing strictly with lotto purchases. Also agree with the one person worker at the deli with plenty of workers at the sandwich area and they never move over to help out, I've seen that happen a lot.

Sill, I like our little Publix over all and glad to have it nearby where I can jump in my car and maneuver thru a few blocks in the neighborhood without going out on the major roads to shop.

Anonymous said...

I like our little Publix too, and given the amount of floor space they manage to carry an amazing amount of stuff. I would love to see:

1) One or two self-checkout lanes next to the Express lane. It works for Wal-Mart and Home Depot, and for those of us who really do only have one or two items it would help us keep from getting stuck in a long line when we're in a hurry.

2) A store policy that requires those restocking carts to be to one side or the other of the aisle, *never* in the middle.

3) An ATM-only lane. (I know, this is fantasy for a store as small as that one but ya gotta dream.)

Anonymous said...

I'd vote for more cashiers and fewer baggers.
I'll happily bag my own if it means less time in line.

Anonymous said...

Wonder if Publix could help get a speed table on Idlewild??

Anonymous said...

i dunno, i think they do open up every register during peak times and i see the managers busting their ass at the checkout line when ever it's crowded. it would be interesting if the manager or someone in "the know" could comment on the reality or non-reality of whether there truly has been a significant increase in publix traffic since the albertson's closed...

oh, by the way, the save-a-lot doesn't even count as a grocery store...that's just a discount hell hole full of cardboard boxes of crappy useless product

Anonymous said...

I don't think we even need to have the manager comment about increased customers - it's painfully obvious.

I hear there are even more improvements in the works - thanks to the new manager.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE THIS PUBLIX...HOWEVER, THEY CARRY SEVERAL BORDENS PRODUCTS.

I HAVE ASKED FOR YEARS TO GET BORDENS FRENCH ONION DIP. THEY KEEP TELLING ME THEY WILL ADD IT TO THE LIST AND NEVER DO.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE GET BORDENS FRENCH ONION DIP. IT IS THE BEST!

Anonymous said...

ask the new management for it - don't assume they read the blog.

Take your caps off next time too please.

Anonymous said...

How about a large shipment of CHEESE for all that WHINE

Rick said...

It has been years since I shopped the Nebraska Publix frequently.
Once the rebuilt store was no longer "new" the attention to what the neighbors wanted went in the toilet. That the Drawing of the orignal store and Plaque that was presented by OSHNA at the re-opening in 1995 disappeared to a filing cabinet spoke volumes.

However, I still go in from time to time for convenience. There has been a tremendous improvement since Chuck took over management. The staff have been friendlier and more attentive. Given time, I believe he will restore the tarnished image of our neighborhood Publix. It didn't deteriorate over night and it can't get turned around over night.
But I think the staff is responding to positive he is leadership he providing.

Anonymous said...

Wow, amazing to find a positive post on anything coming from Shrekswife, she must really have been in some kind of "alternate-dimension".

Anonymous said...

Anon 5:32 dreams:

"1) One or two self-checkout lanes next to the Express lane. "

Have you used the self-checkout at Home Depot much? ARGH. Half the people that use it are confused by it. A cashere is often faster and breaks down less. But that aside, how do you self-check-out the various types of apples or other vegetables? They don't have a UPS symbol for scanning and price depends on weight. What if you mixed two kinds of apples in one bag? How does the store prevent fraud?

"2) A store policy that requires those restocking carts to be to one side or the other of the aisle, *never* in the middle."

Because our Publix is small by necessity, it has smaller than normal isle widths. If you place the restocking cars on either side of the isle, you block access to all those products. I don't think your solution will solve your problem here. But if it's any consolation, I share the frustration.

"3) An ATM-only lane. (I know, this is fantasy for a store as small as that one but ya gotta dream.)"

Checks are getting more and more scarce these days. Mostly the retired neighbors use them. ATM cards and the new food stamp cards that operate like ATM cards are more common. And cash is always fast if people are using bills and not a jar of change.

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:32

up yours. u obvioulsy don't read the blog often. shrekswife doesn't live in some "alternate-dimension"..she lives in the real world where good crap happens and bad crap happens. she often posts positive and support comments about life in the heights. and yes, she does vent b/c obviously sometimes she feels the need to. perhaps you could lend her ur rose tinted glasses

Anonymous said...

9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB!

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:13; good crap or bad crap is duly noted but she goes waaaaay overboard with the criticism. In the real world, most folks aren't that ticked off to such an extreme extent. Just my opinion from reading the blogs (which I have by the way).
You obviously have yours and are supportive of her, so good for you (maybe you are her mother?)
Up yours?... Nahhh, not worth a response.

Anonymous said...

What extreme extent are you referring to? I too read the blog, and have for some time now, and I just don't see it. So Shreks Wife made a commentary about poor service. Big Deal. I found her commentary to be merely her opinion. She didn't insult anyone, just made an account of what happened. She has a right, just like you do, to express her opinions on this blog, and it sounds to me as though maybe you are the one taking things to "such an extreme extent".

I have been to Cappy's several times with my children (although I do not let them skate around the restaurant. That, I do think makes for annoying other diners.) But anyway, I have never posted complaints about Cappys, but have to admit, have never been very please with the service either. Sad part is, I keep going because it's a neighborhood business and close to home. But darn it, now that it's been mentioned, why should we accept bad service just because it's convenient to home.

And don't bother telling me to go to Pizza Hut instead. It's a lame comeback, and you know, it goes without saying, that's probably what I will do.

Anonymous said...

"up yours"...nice comment coming from a Mom who takes her children to Cappy's. I'd hate to be the waitress serving the table your family sits at.

Anonymous said...

To Anonymous poster of 2:43

My post at 1:38 has nothing to do with the "up yours" comment. Dont know who posted that, and I wont take responsibility for it, either. I teach my children better than that. Sorry to put a damper on your vengeance.

Anonymous said...

Ok 2:53, my apologies - not related to you. Actually, I'm glad to know it wasn't the Mom.
See ya at Pizza Hut.

Anonymous said...

went shopping after work yesterday and there were plenty of carts waiting. when i got in line to check out the bagger snuck up behind me and started unloading my cart. when i told him it was ok, that i would do it, he insisted and finished unloading so fast i didn't have time to protest. the check out clerk and bagger were both funny and engaging. i've really noticed some great improvements lately. i still like our little publix over most of the others.

Anonymous said...

Wow! You're the 2nd person on this blog that had this experience! How cool. I went there yesterday, and altho they didn't do that for me (totally not a big deal), I will say that everyone was so nice! I went to the deli counter, the woman working behind the counter was busy, but made it a point to let me know she'd be right with me. She was really pleasant as she waited on me. The produce guys, 2 different ones, asked me if I was finding everything I was looking for. Even asked me how my day was going. The cashier was also engaging, and not yack-yack-yacking with the bagger, like you usually get at most places.

I LOVE OUR PUBLIX

I hope someone from their store reads this blog!!!

Anonymous said...

I don't know your store there but in general I'm so disappointed as a Publix employee to have seen Mr. Jenkins annual nearly one million dollar salary and these stories of us "senior" workers experiencing paycuts!! It is sad to see Publix discriminate against the elderly employees they once honored. I include the St. Petersburg Times links to the articles as of late.

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/09/Business/Publix_pay_fallout__R.shtml

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/25/Business/Publix_s_new_pay_syst.shtml

DPD said...
This comment has been removed by the author.