Once again, a rivalry is brewing between two beloved American supermarket chains, and this time, the competition is heating up over new territory.
Publix, renowned for its Southern charm, spacious aisles, and irresistible ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ promotions, has built a reputation for quality and friendly service.
Originating in Florida, Publix has earned a dedicated following in the Sunshine State, where its famous ‘Pub Subs’ and key lime pie inspire unwavering loyalty among locals.
While Publix reigns supreme in Florida, Kroger boasts a coast-to-coast presence and a national recognition that Publix has yet to achieve. However, that dynamic is about to shift.
Publix is now preparing to introduce its hallmark Southern hospitality to a brand-new market: Kentucky.
After years of competition throughout the Deep South, the Florida-based grocer is launching an offensive in Kroger’s own territory, a mere hour away from the Cincinnati headquarters that form the core of its rival’s operations.
By year’s end, Publix expects to have roughly a dozen stores up and running across the Bluegrass State.
‘It’s the frontier of Publix,’ said Devin Dosher, assistant manager of the Publix in Boone County, who has spent 13 years with the company.
Publix has long been considered Florida’s favorite supermarket
Publix is loved by Floridians for its Southern charm, great subs, and broad selection
Publix was founded by George W. Jenkins on September 6, 1930, with the opening of its first store in Winter Haven, Florida (pictured: a vintage photo of Jenkins from the Publix archives)
Kroger has around 2,700 stores to Publix’s 1,400. Kroger, as the largest US supermarket chain, generates over $150 billion in annual revenue – well over double the $62.7 billion Publix made in total sales last year.
Kroger slashed prices at its Northern Kentucky stores after Publix entered the market last fall with a revamped supermarket of its own.
And the expansion push goes both ways, as Publix moves north, Kroger is plotting additional growth in Publix’s home turf, with plans that include new stores in Jacksonville.
Executives at the Cincinnati-based chain said nearby locations saw an initial dip in sales when Publix debuted, though revenue has since rebounded to prior levels.
Still, with more Publix openings on the horizon, Kroger’s hold on the region could face renewed pressure.
The standoff underscores the high stakes of pouring millions into new real estate and operations in pursuit of loyal shoppers.
About 20 miles south of downtown Cincinnati, the new Publix stands just past a roundabout at the entrance to an upscale neighborhood called Triple Crown. The red-brick building with bright green letters is the main store in a small suburban shopping center.
On opening day last May, hundreds of people waited in line to get inside, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Kroger, as the largest US supermarket chain, generates over $150 billion in annual revenue
Publix is also known for its frequent ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ deals, high quality, and friendly customer service
Some fans wore Publix flip-flops and T-shirts. Others came for a ‘Pub Sub’ sandwich or a slice of the store’s famous key lime pie. Cars filled the parking lot and nearby streets for weeks after the store opened.
Inside, the store is bright and roomy, with wide aisles that make it easy to push shopping carts. There’s also a smoothie and coffee bar, plus a seating area where a group of local women meets every Wednesday to play mahjong.
Publix leaders say that while some shoppers think the store is more expensive, its sales, deals, and overall shopping experience make its prices competitive.
Kroger and Publix aren’t just battling each other – they’re also contending with national heavyweights like Walmart and other regional food retailers.
For customers, however, the rivalry may be paying off. Shoppers at both chains report a surge in promotions and buy-one-get-one-free offers as the competition heats up.
In recent months, some customers have slammed Publix for climbing prices and sliding quality – and rising prices at the checkout pushing some loyal customers to look elsewhere.
Shoppers are favoring the likes of Walmart, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s – where they can stretch their cash across far more groceries.
A shopper compared the prices of staple products at Publix with its competitor Walmart, and the differences were stark. For example, a pack of six Bounty Paper Towel was priced at a whopping $24.99 at Publix, but cost just $6.94 at Walmart.
