Deli Clerk Annie Parker, #611, Tampa, Fla., came to the United States in 1990. During her first Publix shopping experience, she was impressed by the store’s cleanliness and fully-stocked shelves. A few weeks later, she was working in the store’s deli.

Annie was born in Ireland, and she spent many years working in cafés, delis and pubs in England and Germany. It’s no surprise she’s spent her entire Publix career in the deli. To her, the best thing about working at Publix is the camaraderie among associates.

“We watch out for each other, whether it’s reminding someone to put on their cutting glove or helping them learn a new skill,” she said. “We take care of each other and hold each other accountable.”

Annie’s experience came in handy when Online Easy Ordering (OEO) was piloted in her store. As an order coordinator, she organizes online orders as they come in, assigns associates to fill those orders, and makes sure they’re filled accurately and on time.

“It took some time to get used to it, but now, I automatically look for an associate who’s available to fill each order,” she said. “We know online orders have to be treated just like a customer who’s standing in front of us.”

OEO has been well-received at Annie’s store, and she’s gotten to know several customers by name because of their regular orders and pick-up times. As OEO rolls out companywide beginning this month, Annie offers this advice for associates: education is key.

“Try OEO for yourself so you learn how it works,” she said. “Then, it’s up to you to train customers. Share with them how easy and fast it is, and the best part is — there’s no waiting.”

Related Story

Ordering in the deli will be easier through online service

No line. Online. That’s what customers can look forward to as Online Easy Order (OEO) rolls out companywide beginning this month. More