Publix is the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the United States, with about 1,288 locations across the country. While Publix has a huge presence in the U.S., Kroger is the largest American supermarket chain and the second biggest general retailer after Walmart.
Therefore, these two companies have several similarities and differences. Let’s take a closer look at how the two operate.
Kroger Vs. Publix: Which Is Better In [currentyear]?
Kroger and Publix compete because they are both leading supermarket chains as of [currentyear]. They are similar because they offer a wide selection of products in stores, however, Kroger has lower prices on most products and has more locations across the United States than Publix does, which appeals to more customers.
If you want to learn more about the similarities and differences between Kroger and Publix, the company’s products, and what the employees say about the working conditions in both retail stores, keep on reading!
Kroger Vs. Publix: What Are They Known For?
As the largest supermarket chain in the U.S., Kroger is well known for its superstores located in 35 states across the country.
Although it’s a supermarket chain, Kroger also offers a variety of products, including kitchen items, health and wellness, and electronics.
Additionally, out of all the Kroger brands, some of them operate under the brand name while the others are divisions using a different name.
On the other hand, Publix is a supermarket chain headquartered in Lakeland, Florida.
Furthermore, since its establishment in 1930, the retail chain is well known because it’s the largest employee-owned supermarket in the U.S.
Kroger Vs. Publix: Stores & Locations
Kroger has about 2,800 grocery retail stores operating under the Kroger family of companies.
Furthermore, it is distributed across 35 states in the U.S., with the majority of the Kroger Stores being in the Southern and Midwest states.
Additionally, in terms of size, Kroger stores average over 165,000 sq. ft.
On the other hand, Publix has more than 1,200 stores, and most of them are located in the southern part of the United States, especially in Florida and Georgia.
Publix is also present in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Kroger Vs. Publix: Products
Both Kroger and Publix deal in food and non-food items in stores; therefore, customers can easily get different items they need from both supermarkets.
Kroger has more than 225,000 products ranging from food to general merchandise and apparel, with the company’s website offering almost 70,000 different products in 16 categories.
Publix also stocks grocery and non-grocery items in its stores. However, they are well known for their fresh-baked cookies, subway sandwiches, and fried chicken.
If you shop at Publix, they have items in departments such as deli, bakery, meat products, seafood, fresh produce, floral, beer and wine, tobacco, pet products, and much more.
Additionally, since Publix is a supermarket chain like any other, you are more likely to find virtually everything in its stores.
Kroger Vs. Publix: Prices
According to some customers, Kroger is relatively cheaper than Publix.
Furthermore, most of the products at Kroger are a bit cheaper; therefore, it might be the ideal retail choice if you are looking to get the best deals.
One site compared popular foods at Kroger and Publix, and Kroger had lower prices on almost all products.
On average, Publix is known for being more pricey than other supermarkets. This is because the retail store has higher-quality products.
Additionally, the Publix brand of grocery and non-grocery items are also of a much higher quality than other brands in supermarkets such as Kroger and Walmart.
Publix employees also stock the store’s shelves every day, which improves the quality and freshness of its products.
Kroger Vs. Publix: Services
Kroger operates both multi-departmental stores and supermarkets under several banners; therefore, they have a wider range of services.
Additionally, Kroger also has pharmacies, chains of jewelry stores, and private brands.
Publix also operates like Kroger but on a smaller scale. Furthermore, this supermarket chain also has pharmacy and book sale services.
Kroger Vs. Publix: Subsidiaries
Since its establishment, Kroger has acquired several stores as part of its expansion plan. These divisions range from supermarkets to Marketplace stores and multi-department stores.
In the U.S., Kroger owns subsidiaries such as Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Dillons, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Smiths, Harris Teeter, Roundy’s, Gerbes, King Scoopers, City Market, and many more.
Most of these Kroger subsidiaries are supermarket chains that stock various products. Unlike other larger retailers, all the subsidiaries are located in the U.S.
On the other hand, Publix operates Aprons and GreenWise Market.
Therefore, aprons are a cooking school that offers cooking demonstrations for customers, while GreenWise Market is a health food store that competes with Whole Foods.
Kroger Vs. Publix: Revenue
Furthermore, because of its size and the high number of subsidiaries, Kroger generates high revenue.
According to statistics, Kroger made more than $69 billion in revenue by selling non-perishable products in 2021.
Whereas, Publix Super Markets generated about $48 billion in sales for the fiscal year ending December 2021.
This is quite a growth for the company, which has been experiencing a steady improvement since 2015.
Kroger Vs. Publix: Return Policy
Kroger’s family of stores has a common return policy for its products. You can return items to any of the stores 30 days after delivery or purchase.
Additionally, you can choose to either return the products in-store to the nearest Kroger location or send them back via mail.
To get a refund or an exchange, you must have the original receipt, and the product should be in the original packaging.
Furthermore, if you are unhappy with your purchase, you can also return it to a Publix store. Unlike Kroger, which has a definite return period, Publix does not have a time limit for returns.
However, your nearest store might have a different policy; therefore, it’s better to contact them for confirmation.
Is It Better To Work For Kroger Or Publix?
According to employee ratings on Comparably, Publix has a higher rating for the overall culture at 75% compared to Kroger’s 60%.
In addition, employees at Publix have a better chance for professional development than those at Kroger. Based on these results, it appears Publix is a better employer.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Aldi & Kroger are the same, Kroger’s competitors, and does Kroger own Food Lion.
Conclusion
Kroger and Publix compete because they are both leading supermarket chains. Therefore, they are similar because they offer a wide selection of products in both stores.
However, Kroger has lower prices on most products and has more locations across the United States than Publix, which appeals to more customers.
