With the economy in a state and tariffs affecting every single retail, even grocery stores, many are downsizing and closing down underperforming locations to keep operational costs sustainable. But there are some supermarket chains that are managing to weather the storm and even expand in these trying times, and one of them is Publix, who are making plans in 2025 to boost their presence across the Southeast with new locations across eight new states.
Founded in 1930, when George W. Jenkins opened the first store in Winter Haven, Florida, Publix has now grown into one of the biggest supermarket chains in the country, with over 1,300 stores. But unlike other national chains like Walmart or Target, they have maintained their geographical profile quite contained to the Southeast of the country. Whether this decision was to maintain the culture of the company or just smart business, we do not know, but it seems like almost 100 years after the first store they are ready to take the rest of the country by storm.
It really is not a surprise that they are planning to expand, Publix has a strong reputation that has predicated on customer satisfaction. So much so that American Consumer Satisfaction Index for 2025 ranked it at the very top, tied with Trader Joe’s and well above some of their stiffer competitors in the grocery store department like Aldi. That is because, even if their prices are a bit higher, they continue to value the traditionally American way of viewing customer care.
And in this day and age customers like that. With the implementation of self-checkout machines and the cutting costs by cutting employees philosophy that many companies are implementing, having a great customer service experience in America has become rare, but the public still believes that Publix delivers, and thanks to that they have been able to stave off a lot of the complaints that other chains like Costco and Walmart have gotten.
Part of that popularity comes from the “Publix Club,” a loyalty program that, unlike others by the aforementioned chains, does not cost to join. Members get access to exclusive deals, personalized coupons, and even birthday surprises and it is little things like this that build strong ties with customers and keep them coming back. Making shopping a pleasant experience, offering great products, and treating customers right is what has made Publix a trusted name in the grocery world and earned it a fiercely loyal fan base.
The supermarket Publix expansion in 2025
The chain is opening and remodeling stores in eight states: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. This will allow them to make shopping better for their customers while continuing to grow in a region where they are already a household name. The chain has 878 stores in Florida and 220 in Georgia, and while others like North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee do not have as man locations, they are steadily growing their presence in these states. Kentucky just has four stores, but that will be changing soon according to the expansion plan.
Nicole Krauss, Publix’s media relations manager, announced that a store is coming to Spring Hill, Tennessee, and another one is on the way in Foley, Alabama, before the end of the year. Kentucky will also get another addition in Louisville. But the company is not just adding stores, they are replacing older ones with brand-new locations. For now we know that three stores in Florida will be rebuilt from the ground up to better serve customers and recondition them to the way that we shop in 2025, which is a bit different.