Content about Publix

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Wednesday posted first-quarter sales of $7.5 billion, representing a 6.1% increase. The Easter holiday in the first quarter of 2013, which was in the second quarter of 2012, increased sales by approximately 1.3%, the grocer noted. 

Comparable-store sales for the first quarter of 2013 increased 3.9%.

LAKELAND, Fla. — During its annual stockholders’ meeting today, Steve Knopik was elected to Publix Super Markets’ board of directors.

“We are pleased to have Steve join the Publix board,” said Publix chairman of the board Charlie Jenkins, Jr. “His strong retail and financial background and commitment to the community will make him a strong addition to our board.”

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Friday named four new officer positions effective April 1. The new officer positions are in corporate purchasing and manufacturing, the grocer reported. 

“I am very proud that we continue to have talented associates who are ready to assume higher leadership roles in our organization,” stated Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Our ability to promote from within is one of the ways we are able to perpetuate our Publix culture.”

NEW YORK — Publix may join Royal Ahold later this month in making a bid for the more than 200 Harris Teeter supermarkets, according to a report published Friday by Bloomberg, citing people with knowledge of the situation. 

Virginia and North Carolina would represent new markets for Publix if the Florida-based grocer acquired Harris Teeter. Publix has already marked North Carolina for expansion with plans to open two stores in the state in 2014. 

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Several pharmacy retailers got top place in a recent consumer satisfaction survey.

A report released Tuesday by the American Customer Satisfaction Index ranked Rite Aid at the top among drug store chains, with a score of 77, a 3% improvement over last year. Walgreens gained 1%, for a score of 76, while CVS ranked 75, a 3% gain. The survey noted that CVS hit a low two years ago due to cost-cutting efforts.

WASHINGTON — Several retailers got top scores from a gay-rights organization for their efforts to prevent discrimination against and to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

The Human Rights Campaign released its 2013 Corporate Equality Index, which gives companies ratings of up to 100% based on their policies regarding LGBT employees and also released a buyer's guide for LGBT consumers.

AUSTIN, Texas — SoloHealth on Wednesday announced that its SoloHealth Station digital kiosk has seen consumer engagement rise more than 200% since late summer. To date, 5 million consumers have interacted with the kiosk, up from 2.5 million in late August. Additionally, daily consumer usage has increased three fold, going from 10,000 per day at the end of August to approximately 35,000 today.

 LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Thursday announced six new officer positions that will begin work in 2013 across human resources, information technology and retail operations. 

“I am pleased we have so many leaders ready to take the next step in their careers,” stated Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Our ability to promote from within highly talented individuals and perpetuate our Publix culture is a hallmark of our success.”

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Thursday announced a 4.4% increase in third-quarter sales to $6.7 billion. Same-store sales were up 2.5%. 

“Although the economy continues to be weak, I’m pleased with the improvement in our operating results and stock price,” stated Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “I congratulate our associates for continuing to deliver exceptional customer service.”

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix is entering the North Carolina market.

The company said its first store, which will be part of a new division based in Charlotte, will be located in Ballantyne, N.C., and has tentative plans to open in 2014. Publix said it is looking ahead to continued growth within North Carolina, along with its current operating areas of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

DALLAS — A new company formed by leading U.S. retailers is looking to offer consumers a mobile commerce experience that will combine the convenience of paying at the register with customizable offers.

WABAN, Mass. — Publix, Hy-Vee, H-E-B, Sam's Club, Winn-Dixie, ShopRite and Giant Eagle were among the highest-rated companies for customer service, according to new research from the Temkin Group.

Among the winners, grocery chains were the only industry to earn a "strong" rating. Retailers, fast food chains, appliance makers and investment firms rounded out the top five. But consumers gave very low ratings to TV service providers and Internet service providers.