Publix Not Stepping On The Gas
By George Anderson
Publix isn’t like other grocery store operators. That’s always been one of the main reasons for its success.
Today, for example, when others, such as Wal-Mart, Kroger, Albertsons and Costco, are quickly expanding fuel pump operations in the parking lots of stores, Publix is taking a more cautious approach. It plans to open a new Pix gas station this Friday. It will be the chain’s fifth gas pumping site overall and will be the first new location to be built in over two years.
Dwaine Stevens, a Publix spokesperson, told the Orlando Sentinel, “We don’t do anything fast. We really have to study it closely and make sure the concept is successful before we roll it out.”
“We’re trying several different formats to see what works best,” he said.
The new Pix location will include a 160-square-foot kiosk selling a small supply of candy, cigarettes and automotive supplies. Other Pix outlets are full convenience stores.
Moderator’s Comment: What are your thoughts on Publix’ cautious approach to opening gas stations when others, including direct competitors, are rolling
these operations out more quickly?
Dwaine Stevens told the Orlando Sentinel it would take six months to a year for Publix to evaluate the performance of its newest Pix site and decide
whether it should build more. –
George Anderson – Moderator