After Mr. George opened the first Publix back in 1930, he began planning the location for his next store. And even now, with stores open in seven states, our desire to find just the right spot hasn’t changed.
You’ve heard the old saying: location, location, location. But deciding where we put our next Publix takes more than that. While looking for a new site, our team of real estate managers and specialists analyze a potential location’s
- access. Our customers love to shop at Publix, but it’s up to us to make sure our stores are conveniently located. We know our customers appreciate when they can stop at their Publix on the way home from work, especially when they can get in and out of our parking lots with ease.
- visibility. Setting up shop in the right place is important. And so is making sure your customers know where you are. We prefer locations where our storefronts and signs are easily visible from the street.
- parking. We look for locations where we know our customers will have adequate parking.
- growth. A booming neighborhood or city is a good place to be. We like to set our sights on up-and-coming neighborhoods where there are signs of population growth that can support a nearby Publix.
- sales. Specifically, new sales. Bringing in customers is great — especially when they share why they love Publix with their friends and neighbors.
From site selection to store opening
So, what happens when our team finds a site that meets our specifications?
- Our team continues to research the site.
- They develop a long-term plan to determine a targeted opening date.
- The real estate team presents their findings to a committee that votes on the site.
- The site is leased or purchased.
- The real estate, facilities design and construction teams begin working on turning the site into a Publix.
- A grand opening date is announced.
- Our new store opens!
