Publix Celebrates A Birthday With 94 Years In Florida: A Look Back At Publix Milestones & Its Future

Photo byFacebook Screenshot, Historic Miami

Many Floridians today live in a reality where it seems as if there is a Publix on every corner. After all, Publix has 870 Florida stores, which means that most Floridians can shop at one if they'd like to.

However, when Publix first began, it was only Florida's Polk County residents that could shop there. That's because Publix first opened in Winter Haven on September 6th, 1930 under the name Publix Food Store. A second store would open by 1935.

The first official Publix Supermarket opened in 1940 and it offered considerable innovations like air conditioning, wide aisles, and frozen food cases.

However, Publix's beginnings are not the only milestones worth celebrating. Here's a look at some of the notable happenings at Publix over the years:

The 1950s - Private Labels, A New Warehouse, And 3,000 Associates: When you consider that Publix has over 1,370 stores today, it's easy to believe that Publix grew quickly. By the end of the 1950s, it had 3,000 associates, had introduced its private label, and opened a 125,000-square-foot warehouse in Lakeland.

Many Floridians are well aware of Publix's private-label items. Popular choices are its ice cream, iced tea, breads, cakes, and canned goods. It is interesting to look at the Publix architecture of this period. Lakeland's Southgate Shopping Center has a vintage Publix (pictured below) and was featured in the movie Edward Scissorhands. (You can see Publix on the far right.)

Photo byFacebook Screenshot, Lakeland Retro

The 1970s and 1980s: Publix Adds Bakery and Pharmacy Offerings: In 1972, the company built its first bakery plant. It opened its first dairy plant in the early 80s and opened its first pharmacy in 1986.

The 1990s And Beyond -Expanding Outside Of Florida And Buying Out Landlords: In 1991, Publix founded its first store outside of Florida - in Savanah, Georgia. Today, Publix is looking outside of Florida for the future because it is now located in eight states.

In Florida, it has recently been buying out its landlords in some shopping centers - giving itself more flexibility in the future. I've written about Publix recently buying out its landlord at The Ramblewood Square Shopping Center for $59 million and Davie Shopping Center and About Regency Square at Broward for $83 million.

The author is not affiliated with Publix or any retailers or shopping centers.