The Power Of Publix: Market Battles For Dominance As It Expands

In the fiercely competitive fight for consumer dollars waged in Florida’s grocery store aisles, Publix Super Markets is widely seen as the champ, hanging tough as the market leader among the state’s chains.

Publix is in the arena with heavyweights, fending off competitors such as Whole Foods, Target, Sedano’s and Winn-Dixie in an industry where profit margins are razor-thin. It also takes hits from neighborhood food markets and even dollar stores. Walmart, the country’s largest food retailer, pummels Publix the hardest, especially when it comes to offering customers cut-rate prices.

Lakeland-based Publix, however, which was born during the Great Depression, has flourished as Florida’s population expanded and millions of people sought food for their tables. It has survived waves of retail challengers and fluctuating business cycles. And its six-state network, revenues and profits are driven by its customer service, quality products and constant investment in new stores, industry experts say.

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