Florida’s native grocery chain is a popular choice for many shoppers in the Sunshine State, recently rated the most valuable brand in the state overall.
However, many customers may not know that their BOGO (“Buy One Get One Free”) deals differ from Publix locations in other states.
Publix locations outside Florida allow customers to either get a second item for free or purchase a single item at half price.
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But that’s not the case here.
Florida shoppers are only allowed to buy one item and get a second qualifying item for free — meaning there’s not a discount simply for purchasing one of the items on promotion.
“We adopted this approach to align with customer expectations in markets where similar promotions are commonly offered that way,” Publix spokesperson Lindsey Willis told News 6. “Beyond our BOGO deals, Publix provides customers with a variety of savings opportunities each week through our weekly ad, digital coupons, our Extra Savings Flyer, in-store promotions, and Club Publix member perks.”
That said, this isn’t the only Publix policy that shoppers should keep in mind.
CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS
The chain also features a signature “Publix Promise” — a policy that applies to situations where the scanned price of an item is higher than the advertised price.
If this happens during checkout, Publix makes it a rule that the customer may receive one of that item for free (excluding alcohol and tobacco products).
Furthermore, the store will charge the lower price for the remaining items if this happens, the policy states.
Court records show a woman took Publix to court in a class-action lawsuit on allegations she was overcharged on several products that were advertised as being less expensive.
The lawsuit included several examples of this issue at Publix stores, including with turkey, chicken, ham, apples and baby formula.
Due to these incidents, the lawsuit accused the company of deceptive trade practices and unjust enrichment.
[RELATED: Woman accused Publix of overcharging customers in lawsuit]
But earlier this year, a judge dismissed the case, with a court order stating that the woman failed to establish she had suffered enough to warrant the lawsuit.
“This is because she successfully obtained a refund for various purchases, negating any injury that she could have suffered due to (Publix’s) allegedly deceptive practices,” the order reads. “And as to the other purchases for which she did not receive a refund, (she) fails to explain why she could not avail herself of the Publix Refund Policy.”