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Publix Super Markets

The largest grocery chain in Florida and the Southeast, the first Publix Food Store was opened by George Jenkins in Winter Haven, Fla., in 1930, but his dream store and the model for subsequent Publix Super Markets opened in 1940 with innovations such as air conditioning, fluorescent lighting, electric eye doors and terrazzo floors. Jenkins continued his expansion with the acquisition of Lakeland Grocery Company in 1945, bringing the Publix standard of clean stores, friendly service and quality merchandise to customers throughout Florida.

Today, Publix operates  1,269 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, making it the largest regional grocer in the United States.

In addition to its large store presence, Publix has leaned heavily into online grocery with partner Instacart — the retailer was the leading grocer for Instacart orders in 2019, accounting for 37% of market share. Publix offers delivery and in-store pickup for online customers at most stores. Publix also partners with Instacart on EBT payment capability for SNAP online purchases, allowing recipients to participate in online grocery and delivery. 

In 2018, Publix reintroduced GreenWise Market, the natural and wellness-focused retail format that it had experimented with in the 2000s, and currently operates eight stores, the most recent being a small-format urban location in a Fort Lauderdale mixed-use development (the first of its kind for the company). Targeted at foodies and consumers following healthy lifestyles, GreenWise Market offers a range of specialty, natural and organic food, grocery and wellness products.

Traditional Publix Super Markets are renowned for their “Pub subs” submarine sandwiches at the deli, while also offering foodservice options such as prepared meals to go, fresh sushi, fried chicken and expansive bakery departments.

Publix Super Markets

Headquarters: Lakeland, Fla.

CEO: Todd Jones

Number of US store locations: 1,269

Number of US employees: Approx. 197,000

2020 Sales: $44.9 billion

Annual Growth: (Top 50)

Source: IGD