Publix recognized on Newsweek’s 2023 America’s Best Customer Service list

It’s been a busy week for grocery retailer Publix as it shared news of a new store coming to Columbia, South Carolina, the reopening of its store at the Westgate Shopping Center in Gainesville, Florida, Thursday, and its place on Newsweek’s 2023 America’s Best Customer Service list—ranking No. 1 in the supermarket category for the sixth year in a row.

“One of Publix’s founding principles is treating our customers like royalty,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous, in a statement. “Over 92 years later, we still pride ourselves on providing premier customer service. Being recognized on this list is a testament to our associates’ dedication to serving our customers.”

Newsweek determined the list based on more than 30,000 U.S. customers surveyed on how likely they would be to recommend companies to friends and family, and their evaluation of the companies in the areas of quality of communications, professional competence, range of services, customer focus and accessibility. Other supermarkets who made the list include Wegmans, Sprouts Farmers Market, The Fresh Market and Whole Foods. 

Earlier this week, Publix said its new Columbia store location is projected to open during the first quarter of 2024. The 45,000-square-foot store will be located at the Market at Spears Creek at the corner of Spears Creek Church Road and Earth Road in Columbia, Publix said

As for the reopening of the Gainesville location, the 48,387-square-foot store will offer departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce as well as a full-service bakery, deli and pharmacy.

“We are pleased to reopen our doors and begin serving more customers in Gainesville,” said Hannah Herring, Publix media relations manager. “Customers will enjoy this new store’s inviting environment and expanded product mix as well as the premier service they know and love at Publix.”

The store is located at the Westgate Shopping Center at 3315 W. University Avenue in Gainesville.

As one of the largest employee-owned grocers in the U.S., Publix employs more than 225,000 associates at its nearly 1,300 locations,