ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Publix opened its 1,000th supermarket here in February, marking a long-anticipated milestone for the 79-year-old chain. Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix Super Markets commemorated the event by donating $1,000 each to eight local schools for the purchase of supplies. “Being a part of the lives of our customers and associates is as important in our 1,000th store as it was in our first,” said Todd Jones, president of Publix, in a prepared statement. Although it took Publix 65 years to open its first 500 stores, the second half of its 1,000-store run took only a little more than a decade, for an average of nearly 40 net new stores per year since 1995.
At the ribbon-cutting at Publix’s 1,000th store are, left to right: Scott Brubaker, vice president of retail operations for Publix’s Jacksonville Division; two members of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce; Steve Walker (cutting the ribbon), manager of the store; Carol Jenkins Barnett, president Publix Super Markets Charities (and daughter of Publix founder George Jenkins); and Todd Jones, Publix president.
Produce spells out the milestone number in Publix green and orange.
The Greenwise offerings include natural and organic packaged goods at the new Publix.
The new Publix store includes a Greenwise section containing natural and organic produce.
Detailed signs help customers select produce at the store.
An olive bar at the new Publix offers 10 selections.
Prepared entrees in a reach-in cooler.
The new Publix includes an Aprons department to assist customers with meal preparation and recipes.
An in-store bakery in a brightly lit corner of the 1,000th store.