Admin

A grocery store that thinks our time matters

By
Education & Training with Steve Hoffacker LLC

Publix Supermarkets is a Florida grocery chain than now operates in several areas around the country. Possibly you are familiar with them.

I heard a TV commercial earlier today that I think is an excellent example of branding.

It didn't talk about how it's better than other stores or mention freshness, value, convenience, or selection -  things you might expect to hear in an ad for a grocery store. Instead it expressed a concern for our well-being - almost compassionate.

The spot said something about their concern for the amount of time we wait in lines in our lifetimes, and they went on to say how Publix is committed to keeping the lines moving and respecting our time as we checkout.

Imagine that - they are concerned about our time!

To me this is a great example of a branding message that expresses the importance of the customer to them.

───

For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. © Steve Hoffacker.

Comments(39)

Show All Comments Sort:
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Lisa,

I would agree that they get you through the line quickly with their checkers and baggers. :)

Steve

May 05, 2009 02:37 PM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

John,

They are known for their in-store environments and would be pleased to hear you say that. :)

Steve

May 05, 2009 02:38 PM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Claude,

Thanks. It's the whole customer relations/customer experience that matters to me. :)

Steve

May 05, 2009 02:39 PM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Greg,

I guess you'd have to ask them that yourself. They are headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. :)

Steve

May 05, 2009 02:40 PM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

John,

That's good to hear. No stores in Louisiana? :)

Steve

May 05, 2009 02:41 PM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Kara,

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It seems their ad is accurate. :)

Steve

May 05, 2009 02:42 PM
Valerie Osterhoudt
Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - Cromwell, CT
ABR, Cromwell, CT Real Estate ~ 860.883.8889

Steve.. I've heard of Publix from traveling in the south, but we do NOT have one here in the northeast that I'm aware of.  Their commerical worked!!  It made an impression on you that you took to the next level to share.  This is what advertising is all about, right?  Get the word out there about this grocery store.

valerie osterhoudt

May 05, 2009 10:47 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Publix is definitely customer service oriented. There is a big difference when you hit the WM stores...wait wait wait!

May 05, 2009 11:57 PM
Linda Greco Rich, ABR, SRES
Exit Preferred Realty - Bel Air, MD
Harford County Specialist

Sounds like they have a good understanding of how stretched consumers are for time!!!

May 06, 2009 01:07 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Gary Waters stole my thunder. It is refreshing to see a company be so pro active Steve!

May 06, 2009 03:02 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Hi Steve

Publix does an outstanding job in keeping their checkout lines moving.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

May 06, 2009 04:13 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Valerie,

That's correct - nothing like WOMM - in this case brought on by a TV spot - a double play. :)

Steve

May 06, 2009 04:17 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Gary,

I have a feeling that was the object of the ad. :)

Steve

May 06, 2009 04:18 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Linda,

They do seem to conscious of wait times and other consumer issues. :)

Steve

May 06, 2009 04:18 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Paul,

That's OK, we'll let your thunder echo. Good comments. :)

Steve

May 06, 2009 04:19 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Lou,

Thanks for sharing your experiences - seems like they are living up to their promise. :)

Steve

May 06, 2009 04:20 AM
Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector

Steve,

We do not have that chain. We have quite a few larger chains that are locally based. Supermarket lines are a bummer.

May 06, 2009 04:40 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Steve,

When you run in to pick up a couple of items and then take 10 minutes to check out ... :)
Steve

May 06, 2009 05:02 AM
Ryan Shaughnessy
PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com - Saint Louis, MO
Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner

In any business, it is about service and making it easy for the customer to buy.  I like the fact that they went outside the box to find something that distinguishes them from their competitors.

May 06, 2009 07:43 AM
Steve Hoffacker
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor

Ryan,

Thanks. I like that part as well - that's what prompted the post. :)

Steve

May 06, 2009 09:28 AM