This document outlines Publix Super Markets, Inc.’s commitment to protecting your privacy across its websites, mobile applications, and other online and offline services (collectively, the “Services”). It details how Publix collects, uses, and shares information, and provides consumers with choices regarding their personal data. By using the Services, you agree to Publix’s Terms of Use and this Privacy Policy.
Information Collection Practices
Publix gathers information through direct interactions, third-party sources like social media and partners, and by combining data from various channels.
Categories of Information Collected
Publix collects a wide range of personal information, including:
- Identifiers: Name, address, email, phone number, IP address, device identifiers, and social media handles.
- Financial Information: Payment card details.
- Health Information: Prescription details for pharmacy customers.
- Demographics: Age and gender.
- Transactional Information: Purchase history, product preferences, and accessed content.
- Online Activity: How users interact with the Services, browser and device information.
- Location Data: City, state, or precise location derived from devices.
- Communications: Records of interactions with customer care for quality assurance.
- Visual Data: Video recordings in public areas for security and operational purposes.
- Survey Responses: Information provided through surveys.
- Inferences: Preferences and characteristics derived from collected data.
Information Collected Directly From You
While some Services can be used without providing personal information, certain features may require it. This can include registration details, identification, household information, and interests. You can always choose not to provide information, though this may limit access to certain features or transactions. When shopping in-store or online, Publix may collect product and service purchase information when a payment card, the Publix App, or a phone number is used.
Information from Other Sources
Publix may obtain information from third parties to update records, identify new customers, and prevent fraud. This can include data from social media platforms and third-party applications, encompassing identifiers, demographics, and inferred preferences, depending on the privacy settings of those platforms.
Automatic Information Collection
Cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies are used to collect data on how users access and interact with the Services, emails, and online advertisements. This information aids in service improvement, marketing, personalized experiences, and understanding customer behavior. Collected data may include IP addresses, device and browser types, operating system, referring websites, session times, and viewed content.
Mobile Device Information
When accessing Services via a mobile device, Publix or its providers may collect device type, identifiers, IP address, operating system, browser, usage information, and location data. Mobile applications may request access to the camera and photo files for features like barcode scanning and creating shopping lists.
Location Information
With user permission, Publix mobile applications and websites can collect precise device location data using GPS, Wi-Fi, or cell tower signals. This information is used to provide location-based services, content, and offers, such as nearby store locations and deals. Users can adjust device permissions or uninstall applications to opt-out of precise location tracking.
Protected Health Information (PHI)
For pharmacy customers, health information is protected in accordance with Publix’s HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
Information About Others
If you provide information about another person, such as a gift recipient or someone picking up an order, Publix will use it solely for the specified purpose.
Purpose of Information Collection
Publix collects information for various lawful purposes, including:
- Fulfilling product, program, and service requests.
- Managing purchases, orders, refunds, and exchanges.
- Responding to inquiries.
- Offering relevant products, programs, and services.
- Achieving stated purposes for information provision.
- Conducting surveys, research, and market studies.
- Operating, evaluating, and enhancing business operations.
- Preventing and detecting fraud.
- Delivering marketing communications and targeted advertisements.
- Creating personalized content, offers, and advertising.
- Maintaining accounts (e.g., Club Publix, GreenWise Markets).
- Conducting promotional activities and contests.
- Communicating about accounts and purchases.
- Protecting the rights and safety of individuals and Publix.
- Complying with legal requirements and company policies.
Publix may combine collected information and may use aggregated, non-personal demographic information without restriction.
Information Disclosure Practices
Publix may share collected personal information in the following circumstances:
- Business Partners and Advertisers: For marketing and advertising, but not for monetary compensation.
- Service Providers: To perform business functions on Publix’s behalf (e.g., hosting, order fulfillment).
- Anonymized Information: With third parties after alteration to prevent individual identification.
- Legal Requirements: When mandated by law, court order, or regulatory requirements.
- Business Transfers: In connection with the sale or transfer of business assets.
- Consent: As necessary to fulfill stated purposes or with user consent.
Public Information and User Options
Information posted in public forums on the Services may be publicly accessible and searchable. Users have options regarding their information:
- Opt-Out: Stop receiving marketing communications via email, direct mail, or phone.
- Update Information: Correct or update personal details.
- Account Cancellation: Request account cancellation or cessation of service provision.
To exercise these choices, users can follow opt-out instructions in communications, log in to their Publix Account, modify program settings, call 800-242-1227, or contact Publix online. Note that opting out of one type of communication does not necessarily affect others. Publix may retain information for business purposes, such as backups and legal compliance. Pharmacy customers have specific rights regarding PHI. Virginia residents have additional privacy rights.
Cookies, Tracking Technologies, and Advertising
Publix utilizes cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies, including those from third parties, to enhance user experience, improve Services, support marketing, and understand user behavior. This includes collecting data on visited pages, traffic sources, device information, and viewed content. Most browsers accept cookies by default, but users can disable this feature, potentially affecting Service functionality. Users can also exercise choices regarding online advertising networks through third-party tools. Google Analytics is used to understand Service usage. Publix’s digital properties do not respond to “do not track” requests. Users can opt out of interest-based advertising from participating providers.
Third-Party Content and Security
The Services may link to or embed content from third parties. Publix is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. Users should consult the privacy policies of any third-party providers.
Publix employs administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect collected information; however, absolute security cannot be guaranteed. Publix is not responsible for information transmitted over networks it does not control. Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials.
Children’s Privacy and International Data
Publix does not knowingly solicit personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. The Services are operated from the United States, and information collected may be transferred and processed in countries that may have different data protection standards. Publix handles personal information in accordance with this Policy regardless of location.
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or privacy practices, or to update information, please contact Publix via their provided contact methods.
