Publix No Longer Top Grocer In U.S., Consumer Index Report Says

Lakeland-based Publix has fallen from the top spot on a list of favorite supermarkets across the U.S., according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

The grocer had a rating of 84 out of 100, while Trader Joe’s moved into the No. 1 spot with a score of 86. Last year, Trader Joe’s and Publix were neck and neck with a score of 84.

Find the full ACSI scores here.

“With customers returning to stores — but also shopping more online—supermarkets are tasked with ensuring a satisfying, seamless experience no matter how their customers choose to shop. ACSI helps supermarkets capture the voice of the customer and apply state-of-the art predictive technology to improve customer satisfaction with the greatest impact on profitability,” according to ACSI.

The ratings took several aspects of the customer experience into consideration, including the checkout process, convenience of store hours and location, quality and freshness of meat and produce, and the general layout and cleanliness of the stores, WFLA said.

The History Of Publix

Founder George W. Jenkins on Sept. 6, 1930, opened the first Publix Food Store in Winter Haven.

He dreamed of creating what he called a modern "food palace" of marble, glass and stucco with unheard-of innovations at that time like air conditioning, fluorescent lights and doors that opened automatically with the help of "electronic eyes."

He closed his two Winter Haven grocery stores and opened the first Publix Super Market on Nov. 8, 1940.

His business credo: "Treat employees like family."

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