To some folks, a trip to the grocery store is as mundane and unexciting as a trip to the gas station. It's boring, uneventful, always looks the same, but just keeps getting more expensive.
This is in part why, increasingly, many people have begun adopting grocery-delivery services into their regular routine, like Amazon (AMZN) -) Fresh or Instacart.
Related: Beloved Costco holiday item selling fast before Thanksgiving
But some places have hung around. Certain grocery stores manage to maintain their success thanks to their happy customer service, competitive pricing, and wide variety of selection.
One such grocery store is Publix, the Florida-based southern grocer that has garnered something of cult following among its most devout shoppers. Even its employees are well-cared for. Publix is a private company and its stock is not publicly traded, so its employees actually own it.
"While many other employers may offer their employees the ability to purchase stock and invest in a retirement plan, Publix is privately owned," Publix writes of its stock policy. "Our stock is not publicly traded, which means you must be a Publix associate to invest in Publix stock. With ownership comes more job security, stability, advancement opportunities and pride in your work."
"It’s not uncommon to hear about people who’ve retired from Publix as millionaires," the grocer adds.
The store cares for both its customers and its employees, part of the reason it's gained such a massive following.
Publix makes a major shakeup ahead of holidays
Publix's motto is "where shopping is a pleasure," and many customers can probably attest to that. But the store is making a big change just ahead of the new year.
It will replace its beloved CEO Todd Jones, who instated many of these policies, on January 1, 2024.
Jones will take over as executive chairman and the current Publix President Kevin Murphy, will become the new CEO. Senior Vice President John Goff will be promoted to president.
Jones began working at Publix in 1980 as a front service clerk in the Margate, Fla., store. He was eventually promoted to manager in 1988. He became president of Publix in 2008 and CEO in 2019.
“Todd has been an outstanding leader,” Publix Chairman of the Board Ed Crenshaw said. “He has been committed to continuing Publix’s success and passionate about the development and promotion of our associates. We’re pleased he will continue to provide leadership to our company as Executive Chairman.”
Many customers are taking note of the change, however.
"Publix is a good company. I hope the new guy doesn't ruin it," one user tweeted.
Incoming CEO Murphy isn't likely to ruin it. He started working at Publix in 1984 and became president in 2019.
“We are delighted to have leaders with the experience of Kevin and John who are ready to take the next steps in their careers,” Jones said of the two incoming leaders. “I am confident in their ability to lead our company into the future and to continue to make Publix a great place to shop for our customers and a great place to work for our associates.”
