Good Like a Medicine

My absolute favorite grocery store is Publix. All of us have our favorites I guess, and I’ve never really been one to get too attached to particulars. Publix, however, just has so many benefits and little nice things that make it likeable. The stores are rarely dirty or disorganized, and the employees are seldom rude or uninformed. I think, sadly, that is a big shock to find in any retail business these days! The organics are good, the bakery is truly sweet, and probably what does it for me are their generics. For whatever reason I prefer Publix-brand for nearly everything in the store now. I’m sure they have to be outsourcing the manufacturing somehow, but it’s crazy how I just love their stuff. I do wish they had a little more “natural health foods” (and herbs and vitamins), but I only know of a few groceries who sell those anyway.

Tears, Tears!
Well, drum roll please, after over ten years of shopping almost exclusively at Publix, I have found a tempting reason to leave and shop somewhere else. I never thought I’d see this day unless I moved overseas, but Publix, I’m going to have to say good-bye. The reason is simple: my life is kind of crazy right now with four small children, and I dread grocery shopping. Eric actually does most of the grocery shopping around our house because he can whip in there by himself more often than I can, and he’s pretty darn good, too! He hardly ever gets the wrong thing (except, hmm, diced potatoes, honey! hee hee), and he’s fast. Plus, he doesn’t get distracted like me. Anyway, back to my point. Shopping and cooking have become the necessary evils of home-life for us, and we want them to be as pleasant as they can be. I’m just too exhausted to go out late at night, and if there is any way to avoid it, I do.

Well, two of the main grocery chains in our city have recently implemented online grocery shopping that allows us to order online and pick up our groceries at a scheduled time for a really small fee. We can place an order for what we need, drive into the parking lot, call the number, and have our bags brought right to the car. Now that’s good stuff! Talk about making life easier!

Someone Goofed
I’ve learned in my life that I have a problem keeping my mouth shut and pointing fingers, and, according to my husband, I’m slowly managing that sin better every day. But I just have to point the finger here and say that someone messed up at Publix. See, in 2001 Publix piloted the online shopping experience with the introduction of Publix Direct. It apparently wasn’t bringing in enough money, though, so they pulled the plug. Bad move! Made some people mad I’m sure… and made people like me wish so badly they hadn’t done that! I bet they’d be making lots of money with it now, don’t you?! Wow…

Foreshadowing

One of Publix’s former employees had this prophetic statement concerning the decision to stop their online shopping option:

I am also very surprised by this decision because I honestly believe that in 4-6-8 years Publix will be FORCED by demand from customers and competition to DO THIS AGAIN. Starting over will be that much more costly and put them that much farther behind other companies.
–The Screaming Penguin

I think he’s dead on. Now the competition is here, and I wish the folks at Publix were paying attention. Busy families and the elderly are certainly going to start taking advantage of other stores’ online shopping. I know I am! Going next week as a matter of fact. I’ll let you know how it goes. At Piggly Wiggly I can even make my orders up to 45 days in advance! Wow! I can sit down and make out my menus for dinners at home for the rest of the year and essentially “go shopping” before October comes! Wow. What say you, dear Publix? You need to get with it!

I’m curious to know if the grocery stores where you live have implemented online ordering for pickup yet. Do you use them? Have you been satisfied, and has it helped your family? Please share!