We are bombarded with choices everywhere we go, and supermarkets are definitely no exception.
Looking for the word ‘non-fat’ is no longer the single criteria for health-conscious grocery shopping. Today it’s all about USDA organic, food without GMOs and milk that's free from rBST. It seems impossible for us to keep up with so much science. This was just one of the callings Publix Super Markets, Inc. heard when they developed the new online grocery experience called, Curbside.
“Publix has a reputation for always giving customers exactly what they want,” said Shannon Patten, Publix spokeswoman.
This past August they rolled out their new online plan in two locations as a trial run for the company. So far the only location for Curbside in Tampa is on Gunn Hwy. The other location opened in Atlanta. Both stores are exceeding the company’s expectations.
Patten believes Publix foresaw the changing needs of the community and acted on them by giving people an easier way to shop for groceries.
It’s as easy as sitting at home and leisurely scrolling through the company’s online website, www.publix.com/curbside. The price of the service is $7.99, but with a little effort it can easily be made up with coupons and the famous Publix BOGO, buy one get one free.
While online, you’ll be equipped with photos of the items and a virtual note pad to ensure you get exactly what you want. The next step is simply choosing a pickup time and voila—your virtual groceries will be ready for pickup.
The list goes straight to your personal shopper’s handheld device at the Publix location and the order begins preparation. According to Patten, the personal shoppers take their job very seriously and strive to connect to their customers on a higher level.
“We are used to getting to know our customers, but they (personal shoppers) are getting to know them at such an intimate level and it’s fabulous,” said Patten.
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2011.