Publix Tests Online Deli Ordering

Publix will begin testing its Publix Deli Online Easy Ordering in its Southgate Shopping Center store in Lakeland, Fla., on Aug. 3 and expects to rollout the system to 50 additional stores later this year.

Publix customers will place their orders for Publix Deli custom subs, wraps and sliced meats and cheeses online or via mobile device by visiting www.publix.com/order. Select locations will have in-store devices for order placement. Once on the site, customers may select their desired deli custom sub, wrap and/or sliced meats and cheeses, specify pickup time and proceed with order placement. An order pickup number will be provided on the customer’s final order summary and emailed to them as well.

Orders will be staged at a designated location in the deli department and identified with “Online Easy Pickup” signage. Sale prices for the store that are effective the day of pickup will be honored. Payment is tendered at the time of pickup. No minimum order amount is required and no fee is charged for the service. Created with smartphone users in mind, the system will prompt customers to save order selections to their “Favorites” for future re-ordering convenience.

“As we continue to provide our customers with the service they have grown to expect, we strive to offer new services that enhance their overall shopping experience,” said Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. “Publix Deli Online Easy Ordering is a natural extension of our service commitment, especially for our on-the-go customers.”

If a customer needs to modify an order already placed, changes will be made directly with the store’s deli department. The telephone number will be on the final order summary.

Publix is privately owned and operated by its 152,500 employees, with 2011 sales of $27 billion. Currently Publix has 1,053 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.