Publix Super Markets Mission Statement | Vision | Values | Philosophy (2024 Analysis)

Company: Publix Super Markets, Inc.
CEO: Todd Jones
Founders: George W. Jenkins, Jr.
Year founded: September 6, 1930 (Publix Food Store), Nov 1940 (Publix Super Markets)
Headquarter: Lakeland, Florida, USA
Number of Employees (2019): 207, 000
Type: Public
Annual Revenue (FY2019): $38.1 billion
Profit | Net income (FY2019): $3 billion

Fun Fact: Publix is the largest employee-owned company in the world, and its CEO started as a bagger and rose through the ranks for the last 38 years.

With nearly 90 years in the food and grocery sector, Publix has experienced the best and worst periods of the 20^th century and emerged stronger and wiser. From the Great Depression to WWII, Publix has seen it all, and it is still standing strong.

As other retailers fall to the retail apocalypse of the 21^st century, Publix is not slowing down any time soon.

With 25 and 22 consecutive years in FORTUNE’s list of ‘Most Admired Companies’ and ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ respectively, we can learn a lot by analyzing how Publix conducts its business.

Table of Contents

Publix’s Mission Statement

“To be the premier quality food retailer in the world.”

Here is our analysis of the mission statement for Publix Super Markets;

Publix’s Mission Statement consists of three components:

Maintain Leadership: The utilization of the term ‘premier’ indicates Publix’s commitment to maintaining its leadership of the food and grocery sector. For years, consumers have voted for Publix as America’s favorite grocery store. Therefore, the statement also reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining its status as the favorite of consumers.
High-Quality Food Products: One of the reasons why Publix has been so successful is the quality of food offered in its stores. From dairy to the deli, to baked pastries, to packed food, the company does not compromise on the quality of the products it offers to customers. Publix’s mission goes beyond providing quality food to include setting the standard in terms of quality of food products in the sector to retain its position as consumers’ favorite supermarket.
Expansion Global: Even though Publix only operates in the US, it aspires to expand globally. To attain this aspiration, the company is focused on building a strong foundation in the US. With a strong foundation and customer base, the company can catapult its operations globally more easily.

Publix’s Values

Publix’s immense success can be traced back to the values it holds dear since it was established in 1930.

It consists of five values:

Providing Customer Value: The retailer is passionately obsessed with providing each customer value for money. Apart from high-quality products, Publix is adored for its excellent customer service. Baggers carry customers’ shopping from the store to their car without extra fee or tip. From buy one, get one free (BOGO) to Pub Subs, to store coupons, the obsession with customer value is abundantly evident across the company.
Intolerant to Waste: In the current society threatened with climate change, Publix has adopted eco-friendly policies to contribute to global efforts to roll back this menace. The company is fully committed to environmental sustainability and does not tolerate the wastage of available resources. For instance, Publix introduced reusable bags program in 2001, making it one of the first companies to adopt eco-friendly policies.
Enhancing Employees’ Job Security: One of the main values of Publix that differentiates it from all other companies is its dedication to the dignity, value, and job security of employees. The most effective way to protect employees’ dignity and job security is to give them a bigger role in decision-making. Employees control 80% of Publix, making it the largest employee-owned company in the world. It is undeniable that employees’ welfare is one of the core values for Publix.
Devotion to Stockholders: Publix values its stockholders and is devoted to the highest standards of stewardship to protect and advance their interests. The Employee-ownership model, coupled with a mutually beneficial profit-sharing plan, ensures that each employee is intently focused on the driver of success: excellent customer service.
Giving Back to Community: As a responsible citizen of society, community well-being is very important to Publix. In 2010, the company raised over $4.4 million in four days for victims of a major earthquake that devastated Haiti. From building homes and feeding families to supporting youths and education projects, Publix values giving back to the community.

Publix’s Philosophy

Even though founder George Jenkins passed on in 1997, Publix is driven by his profound words and philosophy.

Publix’s philosophy consists of 7 ‘Lessons from the Founder’:

Interdependence: “No man puts together an organization on his own.” From its first store, Publix was founded as an employee-owned business. During the Great Depression, employees relied on a $2 a week raise to pay for a stock, and the company’s growth and survival depended on employees’ devotion. This interdependence contributed to Publix’s immense success since it was founded.
Begin, the Rest is Easy: Whether it is business, conversation, education, or relationship, starting any journey or activity is the most difficult phase. In Publix, employees use this philosophy to address day-to-day challenges to advance the company. For instance, striking a conversation with a disappointed customer goes a long way in managing the experience for the better.
People-Focused: “We’re in the people business.” Publix is focused on the people from top to bottom. The top management focuses on employees’ job security, welfare, and economic well-being, which allows focusing on delivering customer service that goes over and beyond customers’ expectations. Customers are honored when employees carry their bags while employees, as the stockholders, are more honored to serve them.
Strive for Perfection: “Strive every day to operate a little closer to perfect.” Even though no one is perfect, striving for perfection is an effective way to improve customer service and experience for the success of the company. This philosophy is evident throughout the company, evidenced by creative approaches adopted by employees to deliver the best customer experience.
People Development: “The greatest thrill in business is watching people develop.” After putting in 1,000 work hours and a year of service, employees are awarded an additional 8-12% of their total pay in Publix stock. The fact that CEO Jones started as a bagger 38 years ago and rose through the ranks to the highest position is a testament to the importance of this philosophy.
Generosity to the Community: “A man’s life is judged based on contribution to the well-being of his fellowman.” Starting from 1967, Publix has launched several foundations, charities, and programs to advance the welfare and well-being of the community.
Philosophy over Policy: To avoid being corrupted by materialistic gains and desires, Publix was founded on philosophy, rather than policy. Regardless of the prevailing situation, the company’s philosophy will not be compromised or change since it is what all stakeholders believe in.