I’ve visited a few Publix GreenWise stores over my years of store checking. While it’s a well-done concept that manages to go upscale without feeling too expensive, it seemed like they never really caught on. They’ve been in the market almost 10 years and haven’t expanded beyond a handful.
It looks like the retail analyst community is mixed: ‘
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>It could be a good opportunity for Publix to expand its presence in that premium natural and organic category…
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>As long as the name PUBLIX is in big, bold print, so consumers know this is their beloved Publix, and not some out of town usurper.
From where I sit, Publix is in that elite echelon of regional powerhouses with tremendous brand loyalty. I put them with Wegmans and HEB in the Big 3 with a near-cult following. Maybe the time is right for them to cash in on some of that loyalty and go after that premium natural and organic small format segment, particularly near college campuses.