Living in Atlanta can be a really nice thing. One of the things that I have come to love about this city is the wonderful selection of supermarkets. I recall having to grocery shop in the Bronx at one of the renowned grocery chains that the borough housed. I hated these experiences. The lines were always super long. The food was not always super fresh. And the prices were always super high. That was not my idea of a Super market. Upon moving to the South, and becoming acclimated to the shopping routines of this city, I realized that grocery shopping does not have to be a mind-numbing chore.
Further research brought me to the conclusion that two of my favorite supermarket chains in Atlanta are Kroger and Publix. After shopping at both chains for many years, I realized that there are some marked differences between the two. I am having trouble deciding which one is truly the better chain. So I have done a little research to find out which of the two, Kroger or Publix, is the best place to spend your hard earned grocery dollars.
AESTHETICS
Suffice it to say, all supermarket chains are not built or designed exactly the same way. But I will say that I have noticed that there is a discernible difference in the way these grocery stores are designed. The Kroger chain has a very wide-open appeal. The store doesn’t exactly have a no-frills look. But there is a very generic, and sterile allure. In most of the stores, the aisles are very wide. The products are always clearly marked. Kroger does a great job of keeping things very simple.
Publix, on the other hand is accented with splashes of its company color, what I like to call “sea-foam green.” I don’t know that I would have chosen this particular color for a supermarket chain. But I do know that the Publix food chain is a pretty impressive store from an aesthetic standpoint. Upon walking in, you are treated to a luxurious deli department and large, wide aisles. The stores are always brightly lit. And maneuvering around in them is never an obstacle course. In the category of aesthetic design, Kroger leaves just a little bit to be desired.
There is much to be said for a supermarket franchise that really goes out of its way to make the customers feel appreciated. I have to admit that the first time I ever experienced supreme customer appreciation was at a Publix supermarket in Atlanta’s Vinings area. I walked into the store, grabbed a buggy (whose wheels did NOT stick) and was promptly greeted by a member of the Publix staff who was standing at the head of one of the aisles. He greeted me, and asked me if there was anything that he could help me with. At first, I thought that I had wandered into a clothing department store. I had never come across that kind of personal attention while visiting a supermarket.
In Kroger’s defense, I have noticed that attention to customer service has improved in many of its stores. For instance, at one of the Buckhead locations, they have placed a member of staff at the front entrance, to not only greet customers, but also to hand them the monthly sales flyers. It’s a nice and simple gesture that makes people feel welcome. In all honesty, I will admit that in comparing the two stores, it seems that the greetings were more heartfelt at Publix. Another thing that Kroger has over Publix was the installation of several self-check out kiosks. I am an avid user of the kiosks, and often prefer using them instead of a human cashier. Publix does not have the kiosks in every store (they do have them). But it seems like Kroger’s self-check outs run more smoothly. Overall, the attempts at making the public feel at home are just as effective at both supermarkets.
VARIETY
There is nothing like being able to find all your favorite household staples, in addition to all the extras that your grocery cart really doesn’t need. It seems that Kroger has cornered the market (pun intended) on variety. In addition to the name brand products that we all know and love, Kroger has a broader selection of store brand products which are really quite good. No longer does the stigma of a “No-Name” brand affect the way I shop. I am proud to bring home a Kroger brand frozen pizza, and find that they are often better than the pricier brands. It is also a relief to see that marketers have put more effort into making their no-name brands a bit more appealing. Publix on the other hand, has a smaller selection of store brand labels. And they seem really generic-more generic than I would expect at such a friendly and “upscale” store. I have also had the opportunity to sample several different kinds of Publix brand products. And I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Kroger’s variety is just a little bit better than Publix in this regard.
SPECIALTIES
When I am looking to impress my buddies with my hostess skills, I find that my travels take me to the Publix grocery chain. Their deli section is filled with all sorts of delectable treats. Their dessert counter is enviable. They have tons of pre-packaged meal items. And their hot food and sandwich bar is sublime. What I really like is the fact that you can purchase a pre-made salad that looks like something you would have created yourself from a salad bar. They are packaged really neatly, and are always fresh. Kroger, on the other hand-needs a little help making their pre-packaged salads look appealing. Simply put, they just don’t look as fresh. I have yet to purchase one because of this.
Additionally, there are some gourmet items that Publix happens to sell, that Kroger just does not. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the types of vendors they work with. But for some reason, it just seems that Publix has a gourmet chef on hand as a supermarket consultant. Shopping there makes it really easy to impress people that you’re entertaining-as you can always find something that looks catered, but tastes homemade.
VALUE / QUALITY
Now this is the category where things get a little tricky. I frequently am faced with the dilemma of where to grocery shop because of the fierce competition that each chain provides. Kroger’s dollar value on their products is absolutely great. Years ago, they created a shoppers’ membership in which customers could purchase certain items at a lower price if they used their cards. I could never figure out how this benefits the grocery store, as customers do not have to pay extra money to obtain these cards. At any rate, using it has been a lifesaver, as it has reduced the amount of money I cumulatively spend on groceries. I have also noticed that the produce in general is much cheaper than Publix’s fresh green goods. There is one drawback: the produce and meats at Publix may cost a bit more. But Publix has better quality fresh foods. So you have to wonder which is better: acceptable looking fresh foods that cost much less-or sublime looking produce and meats which take a few extra dollars out of your pocket.
As you can see, there are many different benefits to shopping at either supermarket chain. I think that people who are looking to buy fresher foods, more exotic ingredients, who don’t mind paying a few dollars more for them, will find that Publix is the better market. But people who have large families, look for sales, and are trying to live on a tighter budget, would do well to shop at Kroger. I suppose each supermarket has its own drawbacks and strengths. It really depends on what one’s needs are. In any case, each store has a strong reputation in Atlanta. And both seem to be going strong.
