The Evolution of the Publix Shopping Cart

Convenience – it’s something you’ve come to expect from Publix. After all, our founder George Jenkins wanted his customers to feel the passion of the Publix spirit whenever they visited his stores. During the early years of Publix, we were known for the modern day conveniences such as scales in the stores, air conditioning, wide aisles and that very cool automatic door that attracted customers from miles away. The shopping cart was also a new convenience – all contributing to the history of our Publix Super Markets.

The Shopping Cart Before Publix

You’re used to the hustle and bustle of your local Publix store, the cashier lines of carts ready to be unloaded (and then reloaded), and the availability of all those carts and baskets when you walk into the store to begin your shopping trip. It wasn’t always this way.

Before the shopping cart, customers only had a wicker or wire hand basket to carry for all of their groceries. Anything besides that was unheard of.

But, in Oklahoma, another man was inventing something that is now a modern convenience all of our customers are used to seeing in our stores. Sylvan Nathan Goldman, using the folding chair as inspiration, came up with the “folding basket carriers” which were basically composed of a metal frame that held two wire baskets, one on top of the other. That was 1936.

Publix Embraces a New Convenience

Just four years later, and two years after the “folding basket carriers” shopping cart became available in grocery stores, Mr. George implemented these carts for his customers to enjoy. As Goldman had noticed a couple of years prior, customers were reluctant to use this new contraption. However, Publix customers trusted Mr. George and were fiercely loyal to the brand, and were not intimidated by the shopping carts for very long. The new shopping carts held more items and ultimately, allowed for easier navigation through the aisles.

The carts turned into a convenience that many loved and still love today! From the two wire basket system to the bigger carts we use now, the shopping cart has revolutionized the way we shop.

The Different Carts Since

The shopping cart history doesn’t stop there. We have upgraded our hand baskets from wire and wicker to plastic. Additionally, we now have reusable bags that our green-conscious customers love. These bags are sturdy and easy to clean, making them an ideal companion to the grocery cart, or something great to use on their own for quick shopping trips.

And don’t think these conveniences just start and stop with the adults. Our littlest customers have also experienced the evolution of the shopping cart. Every person who enters our doors is someone we consider a customer so we’ve always included the kids in shopping ventures. Just ask your Store Manager which carts are available for your young ones. The “customer-in -training” in your life will have a lot of fun helping you shop.

Also, all Publix stores can provide Caroline’s Carts to those customers who need them. Caroline’s Cart is designed to accommodate individuals with a variety of levels and types of disabilities so they can easily shop with their loved ones. If you don’t see a Caroline’s Cart at your location, just request that your Store Manager place an order.

From the beginning to now, the history of the shopping cart has changed the shopping experience for all of us. Are you a basket shopper or a cart shopper? Let us know which one you prefer.