They say hindsight is 20/20, which makes it even more fitting to take a look back on a year no one could have predicted.
Rapid pandemic response defined 2020.
We can’t talk about 2020 without greeting the elephant in the room: COVID-19. But Publix and our associates stepped up and made quick changes to help protect the health and safety of our associates and customers. We installed plastic shields, ramped up our cleaning procedures, changed our hours, shopped one-way and wore face coverings. We upgraded our system to accept contactless payments. Our pharmacy began offering home delivery of prescriptions through ScriptDrop. And we provided qualifying businesses in our company-owned shopping centers two months of rent relief. Check out our May edition of Publix News to see some of our early efforts.
Big news: Greensboro distribution center expansion.
We began transforming more than 300 acres of land into our newest distribution center in Greensboro, North Carolina. We broke ground earlier this year and expect to open in 2022 to support our stores in the Carolinas and Virginia. In October, we announced an expansion that will include a dry grocery warehouse.
See our rock star award winners.
Our associates are the best; we can’t say it enough! So, we recognized a few exceptional individuals for their outstanding efforts and role-model attitudes. In February, we presented the George W. Jenkins Award and the President’s Award to retail and support leaders. Then, in June, Publix Pharmacy went virtual to present 15 associates with the Rxcellence Award.
But we didn’t stop there! Over the course of the year, we presented a gold coin to nearly 300 associates for going above and beyond for their customers and fellow associates.
Club Publix debuts.
In March, Club Publix launched for all the cool kids to enjoy special perks and digital coupons, in addition to being alerted about promotions tailored to their shopping needs and interests. Not a member yet? Head to clubpublix.com to sign up today!
Going green couldn’t be cooler.
Welcome to our new lean green machine! In March, a hydroponics farm was installed outside GreenWise Market #1659, Lakeland, Florida.
Global kudos from United Way.
For more than 40 years, you’ve shown your commitment to our communities by donating to the United Way. This year, United Way recognized Publix as its No. 1 Global Corporate Leader. In 2019, your pledges, along with a commitment from Publix Super Markets Charities, combined for a total of $63.6 million. How’s that for making a difference?
90 years of rockin’ it!
We celebrated our 90th anniversary! We shared Mr. George stories and some Publix history throughout the year but cranked it up during the month of September. Have you seen the video, “90 Years in 90 Seconds”? If not, watch the “90 Years in 90 Seconds” video in the September edition of Publix News.
Schedule a flu shot online.
As flu season descended upon us, our pharmacy rolled out an online system to schedule appointments to help beat the flu bug. Future enhancements will allow you to schedule other vaccinations, such as hepatitis A and B, meningitis, pneumonia, shingles and tetanus. Visit publix.com/vaccine to learn more.
Publix cares. Others agree.
While we already knew working for Publix was something special, others thought so, too! PEOPLE magazine recognized our company as No. 1 on its list of 50 Companies That Care. We also made Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the 23rd year in a row, and we were once again recognized as one of Fortune’s Best Big Companies to Work For.
Work it — your new uniform, that is.
Roll out the red carpet. In November, our new uniforms officially hit the stores, and, not to sound too biased, associates were fashion week runway ready! Be sure to check out all the latest looks on PASSport.
Our newest additions.
Our family got even larger this year! By the time Dec. 31 rolls around, we will have opened 39 stores in 2020. To meet increased demand due to the coronavirus, we hired more than 45,000 new associates in our stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers.
Wow! More space coming to corporate!
Late this year, we completed the expansion of our corporate office building. And the best part? Now we have space to add 700 more associates by the end of 2027 to support our growing company. Check out the time-lapse video of the expansion!
Helping farmers and families!
With the coronavirus forcing closures of schools and restaurants, many farmers had nowhere to sell their produce and milk. To assist them, Publix purchased more than 15 million pounds of fresh produce and 500,000 gallons of milk and donated it to Feeding America food banks across our operating area.
