You probably have seen numerous studies showing that Publix is among the places Americans most like to shop for groceries. Last year, Harris published a poll in which Publix was ranked as the top regional grocer in the South and Market Force recently released a study that ranked the chain second nationwide to Trader Joe's. The reason for Publix's success can be traced to one key factor — its employee owners.
As a recent piece on The Miami Herald site points out, the chain's founder, George W. Jenkins Jr., believed that if workers had a stake in the company they would be more conscientious in their duties and dedicated to taking care of customers. Today, employees own the largest block of the company's shares at 30 percent.
"Our associates have skin in the game and, as owners, they take pride in taking care of the customers whose loyalty and dedication make our company successful," Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw wrote in an email to the Herald. "It is what differentiated us as a business and has continued to bring generation after generation of associates — and customers — through our doors."
Photo: Publix Facebook page
Not surprisingly, Publix is also ranked among the best places to work in retail. According to the career site Glassdoor, 78 percent of workers would recommend the chain as a place to work to a friend. Eighty-seven percent approved of Mr. Crenshaw as CEO.
- The power of Publix: Market battles for dominance as it expands - The Miami Herald
- Trader Joe's, Publix, Aldi Top Grocery Brands - MediaPost
- Working at Publix - Glassdoor
- Consumers are not happy shopping in stores, especially Walmart's - RetailWire
- Usual suspects top regional grocers list - RetailWire