Publix Supermarket

I usually love shopping at Publix, and have never experienced anything but great service at other stores. The cashiers here are somewhat friendly, but nowhere near as much so as they are at other locations. I have run across people stocking the aisles, none of which bother to say hi or smile like they usually do at my usual store in Crestwood. The store is brand new, so everything is clean and well stocked. However, they need to step up the service.

This has to be one of the worst Publix I have been to. The employees and managers stand in the middle of the isles chit chatting and do not offer to help you or move out of the way. Today a stocker nearly ran me over and never said a word. The cashier at check out was rude and snapped at my mother. Also I agree with the other reviewer who said you nearly have to fight to get to take your groceries out without the bagger helping. Shopping is definitely not a pleasure here and I will start going out of my way to go to Chalkville where customer service is a priority.

I would love to shop here but I’m finding I’m avoiding it more and more. The reason they are extremely pushy about escorting you to your car. I have said no on multiple occasions, however I have had them snatch my buggy out of my hands more than once and take it away from me after I have said no multiple times. I’ll insist upon no 4 or 5 times, but they won’t take no for an answer. I do not want anyone coming to my car. If I needed help Id ask for it. I appreciate the offer but if I say NO I mean NO. I do not want you to put your hands on my things and take it away all the while I’m standing here asking you to give me my buggy back. And I sure don’t want you coming to my car! I also do not want to be harassed going to the grocery store Everytime I go and dread the checkout lane. I’m not the only one I have talked to several people who say they have the same issue. Better to go somewhere else where I don’t have to worry it about it since the staff refuses to listen!

I go to Publix for three things: Boar’s Head sandwich meats, produce, and great customer service. It was here that I first discovered and purchased the new Kiko apples, advertised as «possibly the sweetest apple you’ll ever eat.» Quite possibly that’s the truth. This Publix has the same top-​quality deli and produce for which the chain is known. The deli and bakery staff are top-​notch at Gardendale. Always helpful, offering samples, finding just the right products for customers.
My expectations of Gardendale’s new Publix were formed at the Chalkville store, where I drove for ten years, waiting for a closer option. There the staff bends over backward to help you find what you need. «I’ll take you to it,» is frequently heard. Perhaps the biggest treat is the checkout experience. «I’m open,» they say. «Are you ready ma’am? You can be served in my lane.» «Can I help you with that order?» This is the standard on which Publix made its reputation.
The floor staff and cashiers at Gardendale are not quite there yet. Out of four visits to this new store, I’ve been approached perhaps twice when I’m looking for an item on the main floor. To their credit, if I hunt someone down and ask, they are helpful. Perhaps Chalkville has me spoiled. Or perhaps Gardendale is just new and still learning.
Last night was a bit tricky in the checkout lane. The lines were long in the regular checkouts, and the new express lanes weren’t checking many people. Now, it’s a bit overwhelming to try to assess the lanes in a new grocery store during a busy time of day, and then have to actually count the items in your cart for an express lane. So I just made a quick estimate and stepped in the express lane. After all, there was only one other customer, and he was almost finished. And this was Publix.
To my surprise, the cashier waved me away and angrily stated, «I can’t take you!» I got out of line and went to a closed lane where I could count my items. I had four too many. Four. Um, really? Since I was on a tight schedule, I just left the excess items at the closed lane, and got back in the express. I only kept nine of the original fourteen. Didn’t want to be yelled at again, so I figured I couldn’t go wrong having only nine instead of ten.
I must say, that was not my usual Publix customer service experience. I will go back, because I waited a long time to have a Publix store this close. But I hope the Chalkville manager comes over to help these folks learn how to live up to the reputation Publix has for amazing customer service on the main floor and in the checkouts. I’m 47 years old, and that’s the first time in my life a cashier has refused to check me out.
My review? Great quality food. Great staff in the deli and bakery departments. Will dock them one star until the customer service improves throughout the rest of the store.

Another great Publix experience! I love Publix for their Sushi, fresh fruits & vegetables, salads, cakes, Boar’s Head meats, & most of all sub sandwiches. While traveling through Birmingham their was a fairly new Publix off the interstate. I walked in and was greeted by three staff members before I made it to the deli counter. The young lady by the name of Jakerria was so nice and friendly. She fished through the bread to find two of the softest six inches and loaded with the freshest vegetables. She took her time and made sure my sandwiches were perfect & they were. I will definitely return on my next trip to the south.