Publix, Case Study free essay sample

Not only does Publix cater to their customers but their employees as well which has maintained high rate of employee fidelity. Publix ranked number 6 on Forbes list for America’s Largest Private Companies in 2011. The supermarket’s revenue was recorded at $25. 13 billion in December of 2011. The majority of the Publix’s supermarkets are located in Florida totaling 757 stores including Green Wise Markets, Publix Sabor, Publix Pix, Cooking Schools and Event Planning. In 2008 Publix announced it would be purchasing 49 Albertson’s, a competitive grocery store which entitled them to control most of the supermarkets in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. Expanding has not been an issue for the dominating grocery store, even throughout the Great Depression era Publix was financially stable. During World War II the only implications Mr. Jenkins faced was finding materials to build more grocery stores but never was it a financial issue. Publix was the leading grocery store chain in central Florida and commenced expanding to southeast Florida by 1959. We will write a custom essay sample on Publix, Case Study or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The supermarket manufactured a distribution center in Miami in 1963 and provided additional services aside from the full bakery such as deli service. The grocery chain expanded to Jacksonville, Florida in 1974 which maximized sales to reach $1 billion. Publix used their marketing strategies to target diverse cultures reeling them into the stores. In south Florida there is a vast majority of Spanish culture. Publix captured this market by creating Publix Sabor, a supermarket that carries an assortment of goods with regards to culture foods from Hispanic countries all over the Caribbean and South America. By expanding their horizons in such a way Publix is showing their customers that they are focus to catering to their needs at all cost and adding value to their name. Publix has also expanded by adding different services to their stores such as a Pharmacy that offers several different types of free antibiotics, a Blockbuster DVD kiosk and a Presto! ATM. Publix was one of the first companies to have water fountains, self service shopping, shopping carts, and computerized scanning technology (Mujtaba amp; Johnson). In today’s society we live in a fast paced world where being up to date in technology could make or break a company. By having the self service registers in the store customers do not have to wait in line to be rung up, instead them can do it themselves and save some time. Publix continues to overpower other competitors by living by their code â€Å"where shopping is a pleasure† which leads customers feeling wanted and satisfied shopping in a friendly environment which in return brings loyal customers. Vice-president Bill Fauerbach said â€Å"only we can give our customers a reason to shop elsewhere. As long as we take care of our customers better than anyone else, we will defeat our competition† (Mujtaba amp; Johnson). Publix’s first priority is to please the customer which is why they are so successful since they built a service which is now reputable. Publix implemented a â€Å"power hour† where the employees solely focus on the customers. During this time the employees are not allowed to stock the shelves, mop the floors or even throw away trash. Greeting and assisting customers to ensure they come in and out quickly is all they can do. Although Publix has branded the industry with the value and quality of their products and services, companies such as Wal-Mart can give competition to Publix since they offer a larger variety of services and products besides food. Walmart’s focus â€Å"Low Prices Everyday Save Money Live Better† leads the industry but their customer service level is nowhere near Publix’s. While Publix has many strengthens there is always room for improvements in regards to suppliers, customers, competitors and employees. The supermarket has gained market sharing presenting competitive pricing to alike products and categories with other competitors. In order to improve products they can offer exclusive items to their customers sold only at their stores which allows Publix to have a competitive advantage over its competition. Publix can also reinforce their relationship with their employees by adding incentives within the organization as well as adding non-monetary bonuses that will continue to motivate the employees which will build loyalty and employee retention.