Shopping Wars – Share Your Thoughts
July 15, 2012
Lee sent me article about the shopping wars going on in Florida. Who do you think is the winner in the competition of Walmart vs Publix?
Check out the article by Susan Thurston that was published in today’s Tampa Bay Times then let me know what you guys think.
I actually have something fun that I have been working on myself and hope to have it ready to publish tomorrow (Tuesday at the latest). I got some I Heart Publix volunteers to shop identical lists at Publix and Walmart and just can’t wait to share the results with you guys – I am so excited!
Stay tuned!!
(All posts may contain affiliate links and/or have sponsored content. Read my disclosure policy.)
Sure, Walmart may be cheaper if you do not hit ANY of the sales at Publix..or if you use zero Publix and Manufacturer coupons. I definitely save more at Publix with B1G1 sales along with both Publix and Manufacturer coupons. Heck,…even with no sales and coupons, I save my SANITY by shopping at Publix instead of Walmart!
Definitely agree on the SANITY part. We went to Walmart one Friday night to look for something specific, and my husband wanted to just browse the grocery area, as he had heard the prices were better. By the time we browsed a couple of aisles, we were both ready to get out of there in a hurry. Finally, he said “I was not impressed.” The shelves were a mess and we found a few things actually higher in price or the same price, but less quantity (just a couple of items.) I will stick with Publix…no matter what.
Me too! I only go to Walmart if I absolutely HAVE to (i.e. Publix is out of something and I need it now, Publix doesn’t carry it, etc.). But, I will do whatever I can to avoid going to Walmart. I have even paid more on Amazon.com to avoid Walmart…
I completely agree, Walmart is a zoo most of the time. I avoid taking my kids in there at all cost!
i try not to set foot in Walmart if at all possible. I prefer the clean, pleasant atmosphere at Publix and I save lots of money by shopping their sales and specials.
Publix makes shopping a pleasure… it’s true!
I agree!
I still prefer publix. I save about 70% using coupons at publix with sale items so even if walmart can offer the same savings, why should i drive 5 more miles for being blacklisted as a couponer and get less customer service?
You could not PAY me to use a coupon at Walmart! I tried a few times, both times got the “it’s people like you who made the economy go down, you are stealing from the store” speech, it’s so not worth it! Publix gets every last one of my dimes!!
I have a love hate relationship with Walmart (and with Publix). I love the convenience of Walmart and the usually they are the lowest price. I hate that I have to argue so much over coupons and I hate that all of our Walmarts have horrible produce departments. I hate that when they come into town that they don’t work with local businesses to source fresh produce, dairy, egg and meat producers instead of working so hard to put them out of business. So, no matter how good their prices, I will always shop local when I can. I love Publix because of their coupon policy, selection, consumer policies (like the LFTB thing), and mostly their customer service. I hate the prices overall. They are so high, otherwise I would shop there almost exclusive.
Yes, I saw this today. I know a lot of people say that Publix costs more and I just don’t get that philosophy. If you only shop for what you need immediately then I suppose Walmart may be less expensive. However, if you’re a bargain/bulk shopper/stock-piler like most of us are then I don’t think anyone can really compare with Publix. When I go to a Walmart cashier I feel like I’m under scrutiny for my coupons, it’s as though they try and find a reason to not accept coupons and if (shudder) you try & use more than one coupon (legitimately) on an item they start in on you about how they don’t double coupon. I use this example: I had a BOGO for guacamole and a $1/off 1 package of guacamole. The cashier refused to take both, although I explained that the $1/off coupon was for the one package I was purchasing. Point being is they tend to treat you like a criminal, maybe I was wrong and it was not acceptable, but I don’t like being treated as though I’m committing coupon fraud.
So back to Publix. The cashiers and all workers are friendly and helpful, they are encouraged to take the time to help you, at Walmart they have those people so overworked they can’t take anytime away from their duties. Publix allows double coupons and if something is in question the managers usually make a friendly resolution. I have a friend that many years ago worked in Walmart stocking. He has very clearly said that Walmart is not known for their better better food handling with meats & frozen items, he said that he’d never buy his fresh foods (meat & frozen). So maybe in a few areas certain items at Walmart may cost less money, however I feel that the deals, coupons/coupon practice and cleanliness are wonderful at Publix and I intend to stay a loyal customer with them.
Also, I’m willing to do a comparison shop if needed.
” However, if you’re a bargain/bulk shopper/stock-piler like most of us are then I don’t think anyone can really compare with Publix”
You are so right on that point. Walmart cannot compare when it comes to savings from the bogo and coupon use. Not even close. I shop walmart when I need something immediately that i can’t find on sale otherwise I stick to my coupons and sales lists for everything else.
Haven’t been to Walmart in months. Rude, poor food selection, dirty store, fight to use a coupon………….NOPE!!
I only shop at Publix. That’s it. I always save more. ALWAYS! Combine the BOGOs with coupons plus stacking publix and man. q’s not to mention all of the Target coupons I use at Publix.
agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I only shop at Publix as well. My mom swears by Wal Mart prices, and I can possibly see it in the deli, (the meat is alot cheaper) but nothing beats the Customer Service I get at my store! Now, who among us will still feel the same if Wal Mart starts doubling coupons?
I would love to see them double q’s. Probably not going to happen here in Fl though.
I have a hard enough time getting Walmart to take any coupon (even if its 100000% legitimate). I can only imagine how much HARDER it will be if they double coupons. So totally not worth it to me.
I agree with you
Cali is right. If I have to shop anywhere else I hit Winn Dixie or Target (which is usually way overpriced on food items). Thanks to I Heart Publix and Xtreme Couponing with Dee Dee I am saving 50% now with just a little effort. Walmart? Ick!
I do NOT like that comparison on the radio & it is on….ALL THE TIME!!
I shop at PUBLIX for ALL their B1G1 offers & SALES on a weekly basis & would not miss it for anything.
WalMart is not a comparison at all!!! I LOVE PUBLIX!
I like at the end of the advertisement on the radio….Where it says: People have been reinbursed for their time & BS!!!
And they have ad’s on TV with the same person in the print ad – drives me crazy!
I just moved to Florida several months ago and had never food shopped at a Publix or a Walmart. Since I arrived I was regularly going to Publix but felt I was spending so much more than I did when I shopped in PA where I had come from…also I was shopping for 3 in PA, now just two in FL and my bill is still coming to about the same amount.(AND I didn’t regularly coupon in PA). Now that I have gotten accustomed to what the prices are at Publix for the things I regularly shop for, I happened to be at Walmart so I did a comparison myself just 2 days ago. And yes, although this seems to be a fairly nice Walmart, I try to avoid the place as much as possible. However,hands down Walmart wins. A few examples: Oceanspray Cherry Juice $2.49 at W/$3.85 at P. Small box of Jello, 62 cents at W/99 cents at P. some things were only a few cents difference, but I have to imagine that all of this will add up to a good bit of savings each week. Now I have as yet to do a weekly food shopping trip at Walmart..that comes tomorrow. I am interested in how this will pan out for me and also to see the comparison done here.
I don’t feel like it is a fair comparison for those of us who use this site. True, Walmart generally has lower prices. But when things are on sale at Publix, Publix is much, much cheaper. Hence, the couponing + storing enough to make it to the next sale. My husband used to drive to Walmart to try to save money. Now that we’re couponing and ONLY shopping at Publix, and we’ve cut our grocery bill in half and our pantry is full.
I used to feel exactly the same way, and honestly avoided Publix like the plague and would drive 15 minutes to get to Walmart. I always found item by item that a price comparison would probably favor Walmart, but ever since I discovered couponing I have switched my opinion 100%. You must shop the sales, use your coupons and be smart about your purchases to see the savings at Publix, but I am savings at least 75% and often times get paid to shop at Publix. Try that at Walmart! I can also show you with your example, Ocean Spray Cherry juice. This item goes BOGO almost once a month, and there are usually coupons to match. I have a stockpile with 20 plus bottles that I received for FREE! Jello is often on sale with the Yellow Flyer and there is almost always a manufacturer’s coupon to go with. You just need to stock up when on sale. I also use the $5 off Publix, Save-A-Lot or Winn Dixie to maximize my overall savings on non-coupon items like meat and milk. I LOVE Publix’s $2 off coupons in departments, this week it’s meat!!!! I would suggest that you really use this website to maximize the weekly ads/coupon match ups, she makes it so easy. I will end with the fact that I used to shop at Walmart or even another grocery store and we used a lot of store brand items. In one year’s time I have developed a stockpile that is the envy of my friends & family on a VERY limited budget! I am always buying name brand items now, and at much lower overall pricing than before couponing. I also utilize CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid (whatever you have locally) to REALLY amp up my health & beauty savings!!! You may have to visit another site to see those matchups, but it’s well worth it! I just recently had to go into Walmart to buy my Sunday papers on Monday because we had a Tropical Storm on Sunday that closed many roads. One thing I appreciate about Walmart. I am being completely honest when I say I used to LOVE Walmart (never thought dirty or a place I didn’t want to shop), but I found myself feeling that way it didn’t ‘feel’ as clean or well stocked and the aisles were crowded with grumpy people with screaming kids! As I looked at their idea of “great values” usually in center aisle gondolas with prices easily displayed. I kept thinking to myself, wow I used to be happy shopping here to save a few cents (even .50 in some cases), but I would NEVER pay those prices again! I love the way Publix treats their customers and now really appreciate how I good I feel shopping there!
Thanks for the link to the article. How nice my favorite Publix blogger was consulted for the pro-Publix view! Wal-mart does not win in my book!
My daughter ( 20 yrs old) is always trying to get me to drive across town
to shop at Wal-mart vs shopping at Publix within walking distance, claims
it is cheaper.I told her it is what you buy and when.My mom used to tell bottom line, the store has to make a profit, so if the price on one item goes down, it will go up somewhere else.
Walmart will never beat Publix for customer service. And Walmart doesn’t have BOGO’s. When I moved to FL seven years ago, I was surprised at how expensive Publix was compared to the Food Lion I was used to shopping at in Va. Beach. I always did some couponing but didn’t understand it fully, such as being able to use store coupons and mfr coupons, or using two coupons on BOGO items, now I spend, after coupons, approximately $40-$45 a week at my Publix and that includes meats, produce etc. It took me about 3 or 4 months to get ahead enough on most of my staple items so now I ONLY buy them when they are on BOGO. Walmart will never beat Publix if you coupon and are a smart shopper. Sure there are a couple of items that I still buy at other stores, only because it’s a specialty item that seems to never be on sale and I have never seen an coupon for.
I love Publix and would like to thank my Ormond Towne Square store in Ormond Beach FL for their great service.
Why don’t you make sure they use coupons! Our publix wont order and gives you such a hard time with coupons. Whats up?
When I was employed I ONLY shopped at Walmart and price matched Everything from other stores Publix Winn Dixie ect and used coupons about 20% of the time. Of course I got questioned on every coupon! Now that I have started couponing about 90% I only shop at Publix, sometimes Winn Dixie. I will not go to Walmart unless dragged there by my heals since my last trip 4 months ago when I first happened upon couponing. I neededo a bottle of wine @ 7pm and 2 registers were open out of 20 and 7-9 people in each line! I walked in and turned right around. Walmart policy have no value for my time, money, or me as a customer. I now have a stockpile for my family of 5 and only shop about 1 a week instead of 2-3 trips when I was Walmart exclusive.
The age old battle. I shop Publix sales 90% of the time – maybe 6% at Winn Dixie and another 4% at Walmart.As others have said, I save WAY more doing this. If it is an item that rarely goes on sale or I have a need come up for something that I don’t stockpile, I will often hit Walmart. I probably go there 1-2 times per month. Let’s also not forget that we “save” money by not being tempted by the other “stuff” at Walmart. I almost always walk out of there with a little treat for my kids. They do have more variety and sometimes carry different things than Publix so I am thankful for the competition and the variety
Here’s what I buy at Walmart…wonder if others would share their lists:
).
* Chicken Breasts- These were less than $1.99/lb for a while, but I think they have gone back up so I may be better off sticking to WinnDixie (which is where I buy ALL my other meat…Publix is HUGELY overpriced in the meat department. I very rarely get anything there so I hope WD never goes out of business
* String Cheese – Seriously a million times cheaper than Publix. Even a sale price is usually not as good as the Walmart price. I buy Sorrento Stringsters.
* Deli Cheese – The Walmart brand is just as good as Land O Lakes and quite a bit cheaper per pound.
* Tahini
* The Great Value Brand Pizza Crust Mix – SO cheap. Love it.
* Great Value Brand Pizza Sauce – Publix has no comparable store brand, but when the Ragu brand goes BOGO, I will sometimes stock up on that but that’s rare so I normally do GV.
* Produce – It depends. I never go there just for produce, but sometimes when I run in, there will be something I see cheaper than the Publix sales that I will grab. Normally I go to a discount grocer for my produce. I have never bought a fresh vegetable from there. Prices are too high and it always looks crummy.
* The BIG Jars of Applesauce – Even the Mott’s brand is only cheaper if it goes BOGO at Publix and it rarely does.
* Stonyfield YoBaby – Cheaper b/c I rarely see it on sale at Publix.
* Baked Goods – I have started getting birthday cakes from them because they are about $10 cheaper than Publix. This will depend on your location I guess but they are as good as Publix’s (hate to say it b/c I was raised on Publix cakes!). Our last cake was better than any Publix cake I have had at a birthday party this year.
Our Walmart’s cakes are horrible. They always taste stale. I prefer Publix’s or BJ’s cakes over Walmart any day.
Publix cakes are the best! I would gladly pay more money for the quality of a Publix cake or cupcake compared to Wal-Mart bakery items!
100% agree. NOBODYS cakes are as good as publix cakes! They melt in your mouth and the buttercream icing is just the right sweetness. Walmart and Sam’s cakes are way too sweet. I’ll gladly pay the difference every time!
My wedding cake came from Publix and no one believed me at first!
Mine was too! I was beautiful, tasted great, and no one believed me either!!
My wedding cake came from Publix, too, and it was both beautiful and delicious! We get all our birthday cakes from Publix, too. We had family members get cakes from Walmart and I can totally tell the difference…they taste way too sweet and FAKE (greasy, lardy fakeness). Publix cakes are so fresh!
I will NEVER buy meat from Walmart. If you look at the ingredients, they have words you can’t pronounce because they pump their meat full of preservatives so it will have a longer shelf life. I’ll pay a little more to NOT have any foreign substance in my meat… which is also why I buy my meat from Zaycon!!! Super cheap and no funky words I can’t pronounce.
I shop at both Publix and Walmart. I prefer shopping at Publix because it is so much cleaner, well-stocked and the service is better. But I go to Walmart because if an item is not on sale, Walmart usually has the better price. When I go to Walmart, I often have to search for a shopping cart which has wheels that work the way they are supposed to. Their deli is often understaffed and the wait is long. It is no fun to push a cart that thumps along throughout an entire shopping trip or spend 10 minutes waiting to get deli items. I rarely use their deli.
I shop for 2 people so the coupons now that require 3(used to be 2) of an item to get a dollar off are making my savings less at Publix. And things that have a relatively short shelf life like salad dressing and will go beyond the recommended use date if I get 3 since we can’t use it up fast enough are leading me to buy some of those items one at a time at Walmart. If I can, I coordinate my donations to our food bank with those more perishable items so as to maximize my savings by coupon use.
One last point, it seems to me that lately the BOGOs at Publix have been fewer as have the coupons from manufacturers which has me buying more items at Walmart than previously.
To counterr higher prices, in my area, Publix has been giving us a new $2 Q every Sunday in the newspaper which has been nice. Publix has also issued quite a few store Q’s which keep prices down. I am rooting and hoping for Publix to keep my business even though my fixed income is forcing me to be very conscious of staying within my grocery budget. I cringe at the thought of Walmart having little or no competition.
I shop at both Publix and Walmart. I prefer shopping at Publix because it is so much cleaner, well-stocked and the service is better. But I go to Walmart because if an item is not on sale, Walmart usually has the better price. When I go to Walmart, I often have to search for a shopping cart which has wheels that work the way they are supposed to. Their deli is often understaffed and the wait is long. It is no fun to push a cart that thumps along throughout an entire shopping trip or spend 10 minutes waiting to get deli items. I rarely use their deli.
I shop for 2 people so the coupons now that require 3(used to be 2) of an item to get a dollar off are making my savings less at Publix. And things that have a relatively short shelf life like salad dressing and will go beyond the recommended use date if I get 3 since we can’t use it up fast enough are leading me to buy some of those items one at a time at Walmart. If I can, I coordinate my donations to our food bank with those more perishable items so as to maximize my savings by coupon use.
One last point, it seems to me that lately the BOGOs at Publix have been fewer as have the coupons from manufacturers which has me buying more items at Walmart than previously.
To counterr higher prices, in my area, Publix has been giving us a new $2 Q every Sunday in the newspaper which has been nice. Publix has also issued quite a few store Q’s which keep prices down. I am rooting and hoping for Publix to keep my business even though my fixed income is forcing me to be very conscious of staying within my grocery budget. I cringe at the thought of Walmart having little or no competition.
I had to laugh after reading the article in today’s TB Times; While the author talked about Walmart have prices that were on average 15% lower than Publix, she did not mention anything about Customer Service, Store Cleanliness and Employee Knowledge and courtesy. I travel for business throughout the US and have opportunities to visit grocery stores and Publix ranks at the top. Ask a Publix employee a question and you get an answer with a smile, if you want to find an item, they will walk you to the item. Do the same thing at Walmart, first if you can find an employee, you might get, “it’s over there” and a smile, not happening at Walmart.
Publix food presentation is much more appealing.
Ok, one more thought…I am finding that Walmart’s prices are going up as well
Same thing at CVS, so many fewer deals than before. BUT…
I would like to see Publix give some new perks to Florida shoppers. Every time I see Michelle’s metro Atlanta ad have milk on sale, I get so excited and go look at my local flier and milk is never on sale here. Ever. I live in South Florida so prices are higher overall and Publix seems to issue a lot fewer perks here (double coupons, newspaper coupons, etc.). I die when I see her match-ups and Ocean Spray is like $2 and change. In my area, it is $4.09. Yes, we have true BOGO and that can be advantageous when you have a free product coupon but that happens so rarely!
Ditto, Miami Gardens here!!!!
I find the prices at Publix to be much better when you shop the sales. Although personally I don’t buy my meat at Publix, I find their prices to be very high in that department. I buy all my meat from Sweetbay since they routinely mark meat down as it gets close to the sell by date and frequently have great sales like b1g1f on chicken breasts, etc. I freeze it all, so it doesn’t matter to me if it’s getting close. I also fill my rx’s at Sweetbay with competitor coupons and use the gift cards I get to buy the marked down meat. Publix near me refuses to accept competitor rx coupons (although that’s against Publix Policy isn’t it?). If they did accept them, I would probably use them more… I figure it’s their loss… my sons prescriptions run $500 on some of them (and that’s one rx) without insurance… so I’m sure they would make a lot of money from insurance on my sons 5 prescriptions and my 2. I think they are missing a huge opportunity!
Although I have considered starting a price book at some point to see if I should split my trip between Sweetbay, Publix and Walmart for items I don’t have coupons for, I have yet to start it. I rarely go into Walmart because it’s just not as nice and the cashiers are not as friendly and informed about coupons. I seriously get the impression that the managers are on their case about coupons constantly and they are scared for their jobs. They aren’t very happy either! It comes from the top! They scrutinize everything and I don’t try and pull a fast one… I only use legitimate coupons. And then there is the lines! They never have enough cashiers!
Unless they start having some really awesome sales, I don’t think I’ll be switching!
But anything might happen… my Target just turned into a Super Target with a full grocery store (but I’ve had horrible issues with coupons at this Target!) Between Sweetbay, Target and Publix… I’m not sure there is a need for Walmart for groceries here. Sweetbay and Publix both take competitor coupons, Target has awesome coupons to combine with manufacturer coupons… what does Walmart have? They can’t compete with the likes of Target, Sweetbay and Publix.
I have a question. Target just posted a bogo target coupon for glade scented oils. There is also a bogo mfr coupon out there. Could I use both at publix to get two for free? I had read that somewhere but I wanted to make sure and you ladies always seem to be so knowledgable. Thanks for your help!
You certainly can, providing your Publix accepts Target coupons!
Yay! Go Michelle! Way to represent!
I’ve shopped at Publix for over a year now and have always enjoyed their BOGO items and customer service. But last week when I went in with my coupons ready to go, I was stopped in my tracks. Every computer printed coupon was not accepted. I was told that other shoppers were making copies of the coupons and so now they’ve had to change the way the handle internet coupons. I do not have color ink in my printer, because I haven’t found a coupon, so all of my internet coupons are just in black. I guess there is a “red dot” on the right side of the coupon that needs to be there for Publix to accept them.
I have never been questioned before and was unaware of this change. The line was a mile long behind me, so I just went ahead and purchased the items without using my coupons. I was embarrassed and felt like I was holding up the line over a “red dot”.
Since my friend brought to my attention how much she was saving every month by couponing, I was very excited to get started. But after having trouble with both Walmart and Publix, I don’t know if it is worth taking the time to search, print, cut, organize, and make a budget everytime I have to go shopping.
Never had any problems with printable black & white coupons at Publix. I use them all the time. Never heard about the “red dot” and I just shopped yesterday with printables. I would take your receipt and coupons back to your Publix Customer Service desk and they will give you the money back for them. I have found Publix to be very coupon friendly. Don’t give up, try again. If that particular store is not as friendly with coupons, contact Publix via email. They respond quickly.
I echo Sandy’s comment. Publix is, by far, the most coupon-friendly place I have ever shopped. I have never heard of a “red dot” requirement, and it is certainly not in Publix’s coupon policy (see: http://www.publix.com/pages/Page44.do). I have a laser printer that only prints in black and white, and I used black & white coupons at Publix just last night with no issues. It sounds like that particular cashier was misinformed. I suggest taking your receipt and coupons to customer service and explaining the issue — they will give you the money you would have saved on the coupons. Further, I suggest contacting corporate (contact info here: https://www.publix.com/contact/SendUsAMessage.do). They are very responsive.
I truly LOVE shopping at Publix and truly HATE shopping at Walmart! I agree with most of what has already been said in the comments. There is absolutely NO comparison to the fabulous customer service, cleanliness and freshness you find at Publix stores! Many times I have had to ask an associate for help reaching something at the back of the top shelf and I am always impressed at how helpful the attitude, regardless how busy they are stocking shelves or cleaning. And, I really appreciate them offering to help me to my car; especially when it’s pouring down rain. Can’t beat the sales and coupon friendly policies. I save LOTS
I don’t shop at Wal-Mart PERIOD. They have horrible employee policies and their pricing policies have forced so many manufacturers into lowering their costs to Wal-Mart, which in turn has forced some of these companies to lower what they pay their employees. I have had nothing but good experiences at Publix and it seems that their employee policies are good enough to keep people happy there. I will stick with Publix for that reason and for their excellent coupon policy!
I completely agree! I refuse to ever shop at Wal-Mart for these reasons. Wal-Mart destroys mom & pop businesses every time it enters a community. I save so much more $ by shopping at Publix, plus I am supporting a local business. The services in stellar, and the stores are clean and bright. Wal-Marts are always chaotic, dirty, and customer service is non-existent. Wal-Mart may have some cheaper prices on some items, but to me VALUE is more than a price tag. Even though my savings are greater at Publix, I’d willingly pay a few cents more to support Publix over the juggernaut that is WM.
i am very intersted into what your finding are. Here in Atlanta we are getting hit hard with the publix vs. wally world ads on tv. I also think it’s funny who they are demographically targeting in the ads and what the store and the store employess look like in their ads, I mean, come on, we all know what the wally looks like on the inside. There was also a full page ad in today’s ajc with the list of walmart vs. pubix items. To me, there is no comparison. I agree Publix is more expensive if you were to walk in with no list and just buy whatever, but if you do have any sense, make a list, stop sales you end up getting high quality products, fresh meats and produce, and great customer service for a much much lower price than Wally world can ever fool you into getting.
although I have notice Publix plastic bags now say “savings you can see on your receipt”… so i wonder if they’re feeling any heat? I still love Publix <3
In NW FL regular prices at Walmart ARE cheaper (on almost everything except produce) than the regular price at Publix. (The key word there is REGULAR.) … However, Wal-mart doesn’t take Publix or Winn Dixie coupons and BOGOs at Publix are always cheaper per item than regular price at Walmart. If you only shop the sales, Publix is cheaper, hands down. Walmart is okay for an item I need now and their produce does tend to be cheaper, but other than that I avoid Walmart–mainly because of the crowds/lines and lack of customer service. Also, if I’m going to Publix anyway, I’ll pick up flour or eggs (or anything else I need that’s not on sale or doesn’t often go on sale), just to avoid the hassle of Walmart.
I thought it was interesting that the article said, “Publix has conditioned many of its customers to buy products when they go on sale.” I agree that the best way to save money is to buy the sale items, but I don’t think that’s Publix’s “conditioning.” I think the credit should go to money saving blogs (such as IHeartPublix.com).
I used to be an avid Walmart/ Sam’s Club shopper. I routinely spent $700-800 a month on groceries for a family of four. I would shop every two weeks and we would literally eat down to nothing before I would go back. When gas prices continued to stay high, I decided to change my strategy. Rather than travel to Sam’s about 30 miles away, I would try to shop in my town. I quickly figured out that my best option was to shop Publix using I Heart Publix as a guide. (I also do some shopping at drug stores.) The first 8-9 months I built my stockpile. Then, after Christmas I set a goal of spending $100 per week for groceries to include food, household needs, and health and beauty items. I am happy to report that six months into this year, I am on target. Also, i have more products on hand than ever before. I was open to changing my mindset… I began shopping every week from the weekly ad rather than just blindly buying what I thought we could use… and over time it has paid off! I have easily cut my grocery bill in half with little effort! Sometimes, friends ask if Publix has the lowest prices. I always say that a Publix sale item with a coupon or possibly a stack can’t be beaten! Walmart may save you 30% everyday, but strategic shopping at Publix will save you 50-80% weekly. I think my 6 month savings average was 70% a week. I have also kept up with all the great penny items I have gotten just by shopping on those days! The icing on the cake is the customer service and the wonderful coupon policy! I Heart Publix!
I couldn’t have said it better myself! We had the exact same experience, and now that I have discovered this site and couponing, I will never go back to shopping at Walmart on a regular basis. We shop at Publix, and our grocery bill is 1/2 of what it was. And I really *do* HEART Publix. <3
You may find WalMart to be cheaper on some items but I am sorry I do not want to buy meat, produce, bakery, deli items from stores that are dirty and nasty. If the stores look horrible where customers can see can use imagine how bad it is where we don’t see.
I have found bugs in flour and corn meal that I purchased at WalMart.
No thanks, I’ll keep shopping at Publix.
With a 20-month-old and a 4-yr-old, focusing on what I need to put in my cart, much less price comparisons and couponing, can be hard. I drive 20 miles to get to Publix in Lee Branch (Bhm,AL) because: (1) They have the carts with wheels that the kids can pretend to drive, and they are strapped in. (2) They have sanitary wipes to wipe down t the cart before you put your kids in. (3) They give them a free balloon each every week. (Thanks Miss Sara!) (4) They split a free cookie and nibble on free popcorn ckn. (5) About half of the associates stop and speak to them and smile at them, entertaining the kids while I focus on my shopping and coupons. On top of all that, when it rains my favorite bag gentleman (a grandpa himself) and cashier (Ana) wait inside with my kids and groceries while I go get the car, and my kids don’t get wet. He comes around with an umbrella to greet me when I get out to put the kids in the car!
Contrast that with the last time I took them both to WalMart about a year ago, the kids were the least of my problems. Rude people, hard to navigate the store, disgusting fruits and vegetables, can’t find anything in the darn store, forever to ck out, rows and rows to walk back to your car in the rain, then wet, miserable babies in the car.
We are on a tight budget & I do coupons since I quit to stay home with my kids, but if I had to pay an annual free of $100 just to keep using Publix and avoiding WalMart, I would!!
I completely agree, my kids are the same ages and love coming to Publix with me because everyone is so friendly and the employee’s always greet them and ask how they are doing! It is such a great experience and it creates a “community feeling”. Just the other day my son was asking how checkout works, so the cashier let my son (he will be 4 next month) come behind the counter and scan all of our groceries…that made his day! It was so nice that they allowed him to be involved! Shopping at Publix really is a pleasure!
I go to Walmart one time a month to pick up my husband’s medicines. Before I started shopping at Publix I was spending every time $100 at Walmart and buying only few things. Now I shop everything at Publix, except beef, I like Sweetbay’s beef, snd I save plenty money using store coupons and mfr couupons. Sometimes they pay me to buy there.
If I just went to Publix with a random list of things to buy – rather they were on sale or not – I would spend more than at Walmart. However, by shopping the sales and using coupons, I buy ONLY what’s on sale at Publix and the rest at Walmart. Once your stockpile grows, you find yourself shopping less and less at Walmart. Walmart has certainly hurt, since I spend MUCH less there now that I have a stockpile – that mainly came from Publix
I can’t stand those commercials, however, I think they accurately describe Walmart as the company that will stoop to any level to gain customers. Publix is a much better store in comparison to any grocery store. They are friendly, clean, not over cluttered, and provide quality foods to their customers. Walmart offers No Quality on any level. I have been shopping Publix BOGO’s with coupons for several years and they are by far the BEST savings I can get. Walmart does not double coupons or have sales.
i only shop walmart for clothes, free items, MM items, and items that cost very little out of pocket. i do almost all of my meat shopping at Winndixie, unless publix has a coupon like this today, but everything else is split between publix and winndixie.
I was tickeled pink to see your name and quote in my paper given the distance between where you are and where I live. Of course I say there is NO COMPETITION between Wal-Mart and Publix as far as groceries are concerned. Wal-Mart does have other things under one roof, but I visit Wal-Mart as little as possible and I work for Wal-Mart as a contractor! You cannot compare prices (with coupons) and great customer service that Publix demonstrate to Wal-Mart in any way, shape or form. GO PUBLIX! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Publix wins hands down.. Not a fair comparison…Bogos and cpns and store cpns… Cleaner stores.. People who will actually acknowledge you.. Duh. No question who is the winner on this one…..
I did my own price comparison. walmart is not the cheapest. not even close. when you factor in the sales the courtesy when you use coupons the cleanliness of the store… publix is the winner by far. walmart is just pure propaganda. not to mention really really horrible horrible stores.
I absolutely HATE and DESPISE Walmart. Our family saves big at Publix and we eat only what we get there. Our local Winn Dixie is about the same level as Walmart so I don’t go there either. I love Target and go there for a few things, but 95% of the time, it’s Publix.
When I lived in KY I used to shop at Kroger, Meijer and Walmart to get deals. But once I moved here to northern FL and found our local Publix where you’re treated like a human being by well dressed, well mannered people, I stopped looking for anywhere else to shop and completely swore off Walmart. So happy I don’t have to go there anymore!
Publix for sure!
I’m in a small town in central Florida and I shop at both Publix and Walmart .
My Publix does not accept Target as competitor so I miss out on a lot of deals.
My Publix also has very strict limits on how many bogos a customer can purchase so there are times when I take the add to Walmart to price match .
Sweetbay blows both of them away though in the meat and produce department. Sweetbay will also accept all competitor coupons in the area so coupons like this weeks 2.00 off meat Publix coupon are awesome for me .
I used to shop Publix 100% but since they set such strict limits in my area when they changed the coupon policy last year I now shop between Publix/Walmart/Sweetbay and Winn Dixie and just pick up the best from each .
The smaller stores are always a more pleasant experience than Walmart. As a couponer, who buys most groceries based on price, I shop Publix for their deals but rarely buy anything there without a sale/coupon combo. Walmart is not as pleasant a shopping experience, but I use it to price match other national chains sale prices when I don’t live close to the other chains. Occasionally I get a cashier at Walmart that will try to argue about coupons, even had one tell me last week that i can’t price match and use a coupon, but I hold my ground. I carry a copy of both their price match policy and their coupon policy in my binder. When a manager comes over they end up following policy instead of the untrained cashier who’s making it up as she goes. By the same token, the last time I was in Publix the cashier told me I couldn’t use both coupons on the same item and we all know that of course you can use a publix store coupon and a manufacturer coupon on the same item. I think you have a few bad experiences at both places, depending on the staff training at each location. I prefer Publix, but go where the deals are. Whenever possible I try to shop at the stores that have the sales (local stores) instead of price matching at Walmart due to the fact that I think it’s important to spread the $$ to keep smaller stores in business so we’ll continue to have healthy competition, even when I don’t need the coupon to double (high value q) or don’t have a store coupon.
I’ve shopped at the Publix on Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL for decades Why? Because of the personnel! I’m always greeted with a smile and many times I chat with one of the staff. I know most of them by name and they recognize me in my motorized Publix shooping cart!. I can always find someone to get me an item from the top shelf, which I can’t reach. The staff is so friendly in fact, that there’s one “bag boy” who, when he sees my pickup drive up, actually brings me out a cart so I don’t have to walk to the door! One will NEVER gwt this kind of service at Walmart! Some Publix store brands are pretty good; others are not (Publiix foil wrap doesn’t live up to Reynolds Wrap; whole cranberry sauce can”t beat Ocean Spray, and the bakery’s excuse for Spanish flan is horrible) But the Publix Bakery’s glazed donuts are the best in the world….get them out of the case and not pre-packaged. I regret to add that the Publix execs in Lakeland don’t look into letters (I wrote them about that flan! Got an answer that said it comes from a Spanish bakery in Miami.) I wit moved the motorized carts from just inside the door to across teh foyer and through another door! The cans that replaced them could have just as well been outside! The only time I buy any groceries at Walmart is when I need stuff like towels and just a few grocery items.
Publix ROCKS! Walmart SUX! I only go in there for clothes anymore, and thats because they are seldom cheaper anywhere else. But I dread it. and I dont take my coupons in the store unless my neighbor (a Walmart employee who coupons herself and understands the rules) is working. Otherwise its a complete waste of time.
On the other hand, I can NOT WAIT to get to Publix on Thursday or Friday for the new ad every week. They let me pay with coupons instead of cash, and often congradulate me on my savings. I will even occasionally pay “full price” for an item at Publix without a coupon because I need it, and because the $/$$ total order coupon (which I always have from somewhere) will cover that item.
God Bless Publix, and God Bless you, Michelle, for teaching me how to use coupons at Publix!
Melissa, that all so true! If you get a chance, check out LikeTwice.com–it’s an online consignment store and I find it as cheap as WM or Target.
My husband works for Publix and mentioned the comparison ads that I have been seeing in the Sunday paper. I just look at those and laugh. I refuse to read the article in the paper and it is my area paper. I really think this whole campaign smacks of desperation on the part of Wal-Mart. They are not now nor ever will be a better place for me to shop than Publix, including meat and deli. And the produce department is just gross. I tried to buy an onion there and just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Then there’s the wait to check out which takes as long as it takes me to shop. Then the hassle with coupons which happens to me almost every time, to the point where I have left the items at the register and walked out. Not to mention one item I was looking for in particular was more expensive at Wal-Mart than Publix, no sales, no coupons. There are four things I buy at Wal-Mart that I can’t get at Publix and that’s it. I wish it were less.
Before I started couponing, I would shop at Walmart because it was cheaper on a day to day basis. That was before coupons though. When I was about to have my second child and I was going to quit my job and become a stay at home mom I had to figure out how to save my family money. I started to shop around and much to my delight found that I can save more money at Publix and have a pleasant experience. I use all of the great blogs out there (I Heart Publix)and save tons of money. I used to loathe grocery shopping at Walmart. I haven’t been to Walmart in months other than to get an oil change. It just isn’t worth my time and money. The stores are disorganized, dirty, and after the “pink slime” I will never, never buy meat there again. I love Publix for the value, the convienice and the quality of the experience. The employees know my family and are polite, willing to help and I get great deals. Even when they have a question about one of my coupons I never feel like I am being accused of anything, they are polite and work to find the answer. I also find that the quality of the Walmart brands are not comprable to the Publix brands. I have had nothing but great experiences with Publix brand products, and in some cases I prefer them to the name brand products. With Walmart brand products I have had some that are just plain gross. It is Publix all the way for me!
I have been following the war between Walmart and Publix. I am a thrifty shopper, however, I do not frequently buy process foods. If you look at what the person is buying it is all process or convient food items, so when I look at this comparison, there is no comparison for me. I would never buy fresh healthy food from Walmart.
The funny thing is, the comparisons that I see on TV here (South Florida)say that the savings are 12%-15%. PUH-LEEZ!!!! Show me 50-60% savings and that might make me think twice about shoponng at Walmart, NOT!!! The customer service stinks, some of the managers are clueless and rude to boot and the unoffical have only two lanes open, even though there are 29 lanes are enough to keep me away from Wally World.
Wow, that was a big Walmart commercial if I ever read one! Those folks are CRAZY!
Of course, few of us would be able to save at Publix the way we do if it weren’t for IHeartPublix. Thanks, Michelle for saving me money and the hassle of shopping Walmart (yuck!).
Walmart is a joke. I tried price matching Kraft salad dressing to Kroger’s sale and was told that they are only matching by the picture now. The ad had ranch dressing so they told me I could only price match ranch and no other flavor. I asked them if they honestly believed that Kroger only had ranch flavor on sale and the cashier and supervisor refused to price match my caesar and thousand island. I no longer work near a Publix (an hour away) so I mostly shop Kroger and get a few things at Walmart. Yesterday I went to another town to take my kids to a museum and made a special stop at Publix just to get coffee and instant potatoes and saved over $40. While I am happy to be working close to home, I miss Publix.
My wife and I use to go to Walmart every week and spend over $100. We started couponing about 2 years ago and now only go to Walmart maybe once a month at most to buy one or two items in their lawn and garden area. As others have mentioned, we also shop at Sweetbay and Winn Dixie mainly for their fresh meat sales and the occasional BOGO deal that Publix isn’t running. Sweetbay accepts “ALL” competitor coupons so if Publix runs out of an item, I head to Sweetbay but we do make one or two grocery shopping trips every week to Publix.
Walmart is a necessary evil sometimes, at least, that is what I would call it. Publix is a great grocery store, but let’s face it, in the last year they have had pretty poor sales on the BOGO items. I still bulk shop at Publix, but I compare prices on some items because Publix is very expensive in Florida. They have tighten their belts, and even the holiday BOGO’s are sparse.
I am not a fan of Walmart, to be honest, I would call the company very deceptive, and unethical. They have made many businesses go out of business because they are cut throat, and even have made some manufacturers lower their prices or they would drop them. People have to shop where they can afford to shop, and in this economy, Walmart might have an edge. However, If people appreciate a clean store, friendly service, and accurate price displays, then Publix beats Walmart by far.
Walmart is not a clean store, nor does it have friendly service, and most of the time product price is not marked correctly on tags on the shelf. Coupons are scrutinized because the registers are programmed to flag them.
I would say this latest campaign is a sham, if you consider comparing BOGO’s, but if you compare price for price they are equal or cheaper at Walmart.
Even if walmart was cheaper I refuse to go to it. They are not coupon friendly and I don t like their BS. Publix always nice to shop , coupon friendly I do great with sales, flyers. I go once a week manager knows me. I leave in a good mood at walmart I get cranky. I will always shop at publix because its my pleasure
Sam would be ashamed and
embarassed !
I pick Publix every day and twice on Sunday. I only go to Walmart when I *have* to.
I like publix now.. before i got into coupon about a year ago . I go to walmart for our weekly shopping list. I would spend about $100 there just for thing we need and use every week. But now.. I do my shopping alot more at publix for sale and deals. Where i am at we have publix store every 2 or 3 miles apart. I have my 2 fav publix’s i go very often…Honestly I come to love Publix more than Walmart… Only thing i wish publix would is drop their price on meats …Publix price on meats are still high. Everything esle there is great.
Please….Walmart trippin. I’d pay extra for courteous service, fresh food options, and an overall better experience. Peace out Wally World, we ain’t comin back!
Thank you all for the kind words about Publix–I live across the street from Publix main headquarters….work for a physician and many of my patients are Publix employees….Publix is the life blood of Lakeland. With that said, the ads don’t lie. We bought Peter Pan peanut butter today at Target (our Targets now have many more groceries) for $1.50 less than Publix because we ran out and the bogo this week is a huge size that doesn’t come in the whipped variety that we use. I know my prices and organize my menus around what’s on sale. Agree that I’d buy an .89 cent can of beans at Publix over a .85 at Wal-Mart. But, we all have to watch out for our wallets…a nickel is one thing but a dollar or more is something else. Just know your prices.
I must add that service at Publix IS primo. My husband and I stopped there today and as we headed into the store (it was raining lightly) an old lady parked in a handicapped spot rolled down her window and asked my husband to come over. She asked him to send someone out with a motorized shopping cart for her. We went to the service desk and told them that a lady in a blue car needed a motorized cart…and they sent someone out to bring it to her. Now that is the Publix difference!!
Shush! Let Walmartians think they get the best deals! There are some folks that will NEVER use a coupon. . . No matter what.
I’m a Publix person. I shop sales and use coupons and save big time in my Florida Publix. I try to never need any of my main items without them being on sale. 90% or more of my grocery dollars go to Publix. The other 10% or less goes to Walmart. Last weekend I was in a Walmart price matching about 10 items to get them at dirt cheap prices for my mother who needed them that week so I didn’t have the time to watch for Publix sales. I checked out using the price matching and coupons. The checkout girl told me that she’d take my coupons this time but in the future I could not use a coupon on an item that I price matched as that was double savings. I assured her she was in error but she assured me it was my error. I went straight to customer service where they assured me she was correct. I told them I really thought they were all mistaken and asked for a store manager. After cooling my heels waiting for over 20 minutes, she finally called again and told the people back in the office that I was still waiting. A store manager then appeared and I told her what has been told to me about not using coupons and price matching at the same time. She said that was an error and not true. I told her the sales person was quite rude and so was the person in customer service and they needed to know the coupon policy and not give out false information. She apologized but that is why I only shop Walmart when it’s an emergency and when I will be saving a bundle.
At least you got an apology. The manager who finally came to talk to me about “inappropriate” coupon use (because I wasn’t buying what was pictured, even though it stated “any product”)was even worse than the cashier!
We used to shop at just Walmart and spent a ton on groceries every month. I can definitely see now the huge difference in our spending now that I coupon and shop at Publix.
I just ran into Walmart recently to get pool cleaning supplies and decided to pick up some cheese for dinner. My whole family LOVES to slice off some cheese and just eat it for a snack. After I sliced up some pieces of cheese, my daughter (5), son (1), and myself couldnt eat it! It tasted so different than the Publix brand cheese! I will NEVER buy cheese at Walmart again. I hate shopping there!
I am so excited to see the outcome of the Walmart vs Publix shopping trip!
I live in Georgia, not Florida, so I don’t have a dog in this fight. But I read the article linked here and have a few thoughts…
First, Walmart may match SOME prices, but they don’t make it easy and I’m not sure they match BOGOs.
Second, Publix makes it so worthwhile to shop their sales vs shopping at Walmart (or just about anywhere else). The employees are awesome, the stores are clean with wide aisles, the store brand is excellent. I don’t have a Publix close by right now, but if I have any excuse to be on the other side of town where the Publix is, I’ll plan to do my shopping then rather than at the Kroger that is one mile from my house.
Third, in the way of a confession, I do tend to save up a list of paper goods and toiletries to purchase at Walmart every 4-8 weeks. And I’m in and out as quickly as possible. If Publix puts any of these items on sale, though, I’m all over it.
I heart Publix, too!
I got this from the article “won’t have the resources to outshine Walmart in customer service,”. I lived in a small town for two years and we only had a walmart and a mom and pop grocer. I hated walmart, Meat was all prepackaged nothing is butchered in store. Seafood never good. the frozen stuff was better than their fresh and the fruits and vegetables were never fresh usually had a little bit of delay I guess getting to the store. I would never in a billion years say that walmart has the best customer service if anything they are the worst in customer service along with the fact that they hate coupons. I dont buy food at walmart even if I didnt use coupons I would never ever ever go back to walmart. While we do go to walmart about 4 times a year usually for clearance kids clothes and toys and that occasional item you just cant get at publix like paint I have now tried to avoid them unless I absolutely have to which for me I will pay more for something and I am cheap if I can avoid Walmart.
Whomever wrote this article must be receiving a % of the sales because otherwise I just cant understand how anyone could enjoy walmart with long lines, not so fresh food, never a sale and the worst customer service and non coupon friendly store I have ever been in and I have shopped in a lot of places.
Before I go I will say this as a laugh for all of us couponers: About a year ago I had to buy formula and I was in walmart for some hangers or something. I had 2 5.00 enfamil checks and it took 3 cashiers and 2 managers to decide they were real and then they still had to call another manager over to tell them how to run them. Mind you I told them just like a check and guess what…….thats what they did after 10 minutes of waiting.
WORST COMPANY AND POLICIES AND TRAINING EVER FOR A GROCER who claims to accept coupons
I think that Walmart does a good job of keeping their prices low overall, HOWEVER, if you coupon correctly and have stock piles, you will save so much more at Publix. I agree with all of the comments on customer service, etc. PLUS, it’s faster and easier at Publix. Lastly, I don’t feel that Walmart’s quality is as good even on produce. My kids can tell a difference between Chiquita (Publix) and Dole (walmart) bananas. The refuse to eat Dole….that doesn’t save me money if I throw the bananas away. My friend just was IN one of those commercials. Her savings was 12%. I never save less than 60% at Publix. For everything else, I go to Sam’s which beats itself (Walmart!)
Interesting article Michelle, thanks for sharing it with us. It was really neat that they quoted you!
I discovered Publix in the early 90′s when I relocated to Boca Raton for a year. I really liked it – possibly the only thing I liked about Boca, I was soooo glad to get back to Atlanta, but that is another story altogether…I was quite happy when Publix came here.
I have friends who love to shop at Walmart and on occasion I have gone with them, but I fail to see the appeal. I agree with those that have posted here about the dirty stores, surly employees and horrible produce at walmart. Also, my experiences with coupons there have NOT been good and a friend of mine had a worse time not so long ago. Not only did Walmart question practically every coupon, but they had a coupon limit: you could only use so many coupons for every $50 of merchandise. Add that to the fact that Publix is quite close by and Walmart is not. I won’t ever be much of a Walmart shopper. Those ads on TV are so irritating! Not to mention that the shopper is only buying stuff like potato chips and soft drinks. Not convincing in my book.
I consistently save over 50% at Publix (oftentimes much more).
I do prefer Sweetbay’s meat department and have my Smithfield and Publix meat coupons ready to hit this week’s Sweetbay pork sale.
Grocery shopping at Walmart isn’t for me. I don’t ever intend to grocery shop there. blech!
I love Publix !! I used to shop at walmart before and their cashiers suck . I live in south florida and customer service doesn’t exist at our local walmart . It’s not even worth my time to ever step foot in walmart again . I have had so so so many bad experiences at walmart . Now I shop weekly at Publix and I have no complaints . I save so much there and their customer service is great !
Pubix wins. For me Publix is closer, nicer and I shop like everyone on this site does – with coupons and superdeals mostly. I stopped doing Walmart before I even couponed much – I think it was shortly after they messed up my THIRD specialty cake order. How hard is it to get cupcake orders right? My local Costco is after Publix too – have two giant carts (one with Publix and one with Costco totals) in the front entrance comparing prices.
Publix always has better customer service than wal-mart!
Publix, hands down!
They opened a Walmart across the street from my Publix about 6 months ago. I still haven’t even set foot in the place! No need to…I can get almost everything I need at Publix with friendly service and at a reasonable cost (sales and coupons!) I fill in with trips to SuperTarget, CVS, and Costco, but Publix gets 85% of my food, paper, H&B budget!
Walmart may have items priced cheaper than Publix, but Publix actually has sales which end up making the items a better deal at Publix. If there was ever a week that Publix didn’t have certain items I needed on sale, I would only buy what sale items I did need then buy the rest at Walmart. However, I have not been to Walmart in several months now. I absolutely hate going there. Walmart is always so crowded, practically ever one of their carts are broken, and the cashiers are not polite at all. I have thought about trying to do their price matching, but after seeing someone being hassled for trying the price matching I decided it was a bad idea. The employees have no idea what they are doing when it comes to coupons and price matching. Now if Publix doesn’t have certain items on sale I either head to Winn-Dixie or to Save a Lot. I stay away from Walmart at all costs.
That’s why they are running the ad. To try to get all of us “smart shoppers” to go back to Walmart.
Publix is hands down my store! However, having said that, the Walmart in the region where I live is doing a great job when it comes to price matching Publix. I use TONS of Target & Publix coupons each week along with the manufacturers, so I still benefit from shopping at Publix – plus they double coupons, where Walamrt doesn’t. And at Walmart, you either get a cashier who is happy you’re price matching & will be nice about it, or you get the complete opposite – which makes the experience traumatic.
Very cool IHeartPublix was in the article! I agree totally that Publix should win and look forward to seeing your results! I used to bounce around a bunch, but now that I’ve started couponing, I discovered the real savings at Publix. I LOVE being able to just go to one store every week. I don’t even mind if occasionally I pay full price for something when I am getting everything else at such ridiculously low prices. Its absolutely not worth a trip to Walmart for one or two things to save $1.00.