Read on for a snippet from our leaders on their key takeaways from the 2022 Retail Operations Conference (ROC).
Bridgid O’Connor — Vice President of Real Estate Strategy
On opening and upgrading our stores
The real estate department is focused on opening convenient locations, maintaining premier shopping centers and troubleshooting problems to maximize shareholder value. In 2017, the Store Upgrade Program (formerly Project Fresh Fleet) was created and, by the end of next year, we will have completed 44 store upgrades under that program.
“By continuing to build world-class stores and maintaining them at the highest level, we will maximize shareholder value and help ensure that our customers always choose to shop with us.”
Dain Rusk — Vice President of Pharmacy
On the pandemic and Publix Pharmacy operations
Publix Pharmacy has administered over 9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. Because of you, Publix Pharmacy is now an immunization destination. We encourage you to continue to invite Publix customers to visit our pharmacy while in our stores.
“For the last 2 years, we have experienced how COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives. During the pandemic, both loyal customers and 1st-time Publix shoppers visited our stores to purchase the products they needed for their families, and many had their 1st experience as Publix Pharmacy customers.”
Doug Harris — Vice President of Manufacturing
On our fresh kitchen locations
We strive to create efficient processes for our deli associates so they can focus on providing premier customer service instead of having to take time to prepare items behind the counter. We will continue to focus on ways to grow our value and expand our ability to provide additional ready-to-eat offerings.
“We’re looking to reduce the production workload of deli associates and supply more product offerings to customers. With help from our fresh kitchens, we’ve rolled out prepared foods to more than 900 stores and are actively working on a 3rd kitchen in order to reach all stores.”
John Goff — Senior Vice President, Retail Operations
On achieving your personal best
We all play a role in having a positive influence on our fellow associates and customers. And thanks to the opportunities available at Publix, everyone has a chance to achieve their personal best and make their lives better than they expected.
“Mr. George created this company where every associate gets the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their families. And that’s just one of the things that make our company great.”
John Provenzano — Vice President of Public Affairs
On alleviating hunger in our communities
Since 2011, Publix associates have been donating food that can no longer be sold but is still wholesome to Feeding America member food banks through our perishable recovery program. In 2021 we launched the Feeding More Together register campaign that has provided 172 million meals to feed our neighbors in need.
“Helping feed people in need is at the heart of our charitable efforts. With your help, we’ve donated more than 600 million meals to feed our neighbors facing hunger through our perishable recovery program.”
Malinda Renfroe — Vice President of Marketing
On the perks of Club Publix
Club Publix strives to bring the same level of award-winning service and value from our stores into the digital space through personalized experiences. We’re focused on 2 questions: How do we move customers up the loyalty ladder, and how do we continue to reward our most loyal customers? The answer: Club Publix perks.
“Club Publix helps strengthen our relationships with customers, provides incentives to entice less frequent shoppers back into the store and rewards our most loyal customers.”
Marcy Benton — Vice President of Human Resources
On hiring, training, promoting and retaining associates
For more than 90 years Mr. George’s philosophies have been the foundation to our approach to hiring, training, promoting and retaining the right people. We are committed to recognizing, coaching and caring for our associates.
“People are the key to our success. We’ve continued to make investments in our associates to recognize their hard work and dedication; enhance the programs, tools and resources to invest in their careers; and implement accelerated pay, new benefits and resources.”
Merriann Metz — Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
On our sustainability efforts
In 2021, Publix recycled more than 721 million pounds of materials. In addition, over the last several years, Publix has placed a greater focus on water stewardship at the store level. That includes switching to native landscaping at our stores to reduce irrigation frequency and installing hands-free faucets in food prep areas.
“Being green is more than just our company color. For decades, we have focused on ways to reduce, reuse and recycle, because we know the impact it has on protecting our valuable resources.”
Kyle Davis — Vice President of Distribution
On the new Greensboro distribution center
The Greensboro distribution center is our 10th Publix distribution center and began shipping product in early September 2022. It’s home to approximately 1,000 Publix associates and is over 2.2 million square feet of space, with a 940,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse and a 1.3-million-square-foot dry warehouse.
“The Greensboro distribution center will supply products to more than 125 stores in the Charlotte Division, which will significantly reduce the miles driven to deliver to these stores, saving time and fuel.”
Mike Lester — Vice President of Distribution
On distribution center expansion
Currently, the Boynton Beach, Florida, distribution center is 427,000 square feet. With the upcoming expansion, we’ll have nearly 1 million square feet to accommodate low-velocity and chart products. When completed, we expect to hire an additional 270 associates.
“We broke ground on the Boynton Beach distribution center expansion this August and plan for the facility to be operational by the end of 2023. This distribution center expansion will reduce transportation costs and delivery times for stores in southeast Florida.”
