Publix Super Markets, Inc. is committed to safeguarding your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect the information you provide when engaging with our websites, mobile applications, and other online and offline services (collectively, the “Services”). By using our Services, you agree to our Terms of Use and this Policy. We may update this Policy periodically, and continued use of the Services signifies your agreement to any modifications.
How and What Information We Collect
Publix gathers information through various channels: directly from you (online and offline), from third-party sources and social media platforms, and by combining data from multiple sources. The categories of information collected include:
- Identifiers: Name, address, email, phone number, IP address, device identifiers, and more.
- Financial Information: Payment card details.
- Health and Insurance Information: Prescription details for pharmacy customers.
- Demographics: Age and gender.
- Transactional Information: Purchase records, product preferences, and content accessed.
- Internet or Electronic Network Activity: How you interact with our Services, including mouse and keyboard usage.
- Location Information: City, state, or device-derived location data.
- Communications Records: Interactions with our customer care teams for quality assurance.
- Video Recordings: In public areas for security and operational purposes.
- Survey Responses: Information you voluntarily provide.
- Inferences: Preferences derived from collected data.
We may request personal information to enable certain features and services. If you choose not to provide this information, some functionalities may be limited. When you shop in-store or online, we may collect details about your purchases, especially when using a payment card, the Publix App, or providing a phone number at the register. By providing a mobile number, you consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages for various purposes, including advertising, via automated systems. You agree to promptly notify us of any changes to your number and indemnify Publix against claims related to your failure to do so. Standard usage rates and fees may apply.
We may also receive information from third parties to update records, identify new customers, and prevent fraud. This can include data from social media platforms when you interact with us there.
We automatically collect information through cookies and similar technologies when you use our Services. This helps us customize your experience, improve services, support marketing campaigns, and understand customer behavior. This technical information includes your IP address, device and browser type, operating system, referring websites, session times, and content viewed. Most browsers accept cookies by default, but you can disable this feature. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality and personalization of the Services.
When accessing our Services via a mobile device, we or third-party providers may collect device identifiers, operating system, browser type, usage information, and location data. Our mobile apps may request camera and photo file access for features like barcode scanning; functionality may be limited if permission is denied.
Our mobile apps and websites may collect precise location information with your permission, using technologies like GPS and Wi-Fi. This allows us to provide location-based services, content, and offers. You can opt out of precise location collection by adjusting your mobile device’s permissions or uninstalling the apps.
For pharmacy customers, health information is protected according to our Publix Pharmacy Notice of Privacy Practices.
You may provide us with information about others, such as gift recipients. We use this information solely for the stated purpose.
Purpose of Information Collection
We use the information we collect for purposes permitted by law, including:
- Fulfilling product, program, and service requests.
- Managing purchases, orders, refunds, and exchanges.
- Responding to inquiries.
- Offering products, programs, or services of potential interest.
- Achieving the purposes for which information was provided.
- Conducting surveys, research, and market studies.
- Operating, evaluating, and enhancing business operations.
- Preventing or detecting fraud.
- Delivering personalized marketing communications, special offers, and targeted advertisements.
- Creating and delivering personalized content and advertising.
- Maintaining accounts like Club Publix or GreenWise Markets.
- Conducting promotional activities and contests.
- Communicating about accounts, purchases, or other issues.
- Protecting the rights and safety of individuals and Publix.
- Complying with legal requirements, contractual obligations, and company policies.
We may combine information from different sources and may use and disclose non-personal, aggregated statistics without restriction.
Information Disclosure
We may share collected personal information in the following circumstances:
- With business partners and advertisers for marketing and advertising, but we do not sell or rent personal information for monetary compensation.
- With service providers who perform functions on our behalf, such as hosting, payment processing, and order fulfillment.
- With third parties after anonymization, ensuring data cannot be reasonably identified with an individual.
- When required by law, court order, subpoena, or regulatory requirement.
- If we believe disclosure is necessary to comply with law, operate services, protect rights, or investigate unlawful activity.
- With our related subsidiaries and affiliates, subject to this Policy.
- In connection with any potential or actual sale or transfer of business assets.
- Subject to your consent or as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which the information was collected.
We will limit information sharing in accordance with your choices and applicable law.
Public Information
Information posted in public forums on our Services may be publicly available and searchable by search engines. We have no control over third parties who may collect or republish this information. Exercise caution before posting any information in public areas.
Your Choices and Control Over Your Information
You have choices regarding the information we collect, how it’s used and disclosed, and how we communicate with you:
- Opt-out of Marketing: Stop receiving marketing or promotional emails, direct mail, phone, and mobile communications.
- Update Information: Access your Publix Account at https://www.publix.com/myaccount/ to update your details or change communication preferences.
- Manage Subscriptions: Return to the area where you signed up for a program to modify your information.
- Contact Us: Call 800-242-1227 or contact us online with your request and current contact information.
Opting out of one type of communication may not affect others unless you exercise another option. Note that if you request your information no longer be used to provide services, Publix or its vendors may retain it for business purposes, including backups, legal compliance, and data retention policies.
Pharmacy customers have rights regarding Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA, including access to records. Refer to the Pharmacy Notice Of Privacy Practices for details. Virginia residents have additional privacy rights; consult the Virginia Privacy Notice.
Cookies, Tracking Technologies, and Interest-Based Advertising
By using our Services, you consent to our use of cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies. These technologies help us:
- Customize your experience.
- Improve the Services.
- Identify areas of customer interest.
- Troubleshoot issues.
- Generate reports and perform analysis.
Most web browsers accept cookies by default, but you can disable this feature in your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality and personalization of the Services. You can also exercise choices regarding online network advertisers via third-party tools at http://www.aboutads.info/choices/.
We use technologies to track content views, email opens, and advertising effectiveness. Google Analytics is used to understand Service usage; learn more at https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners/.
Our digital properties are not designed to respond to “do not track” browser requests. You can opt out of interest-based advertising from participating third-party providers at www.aboutads.info/choices/.
Third-Party Content and Activities
Our Services may link to or embed content from third parties. Their information practices may differ from ours. Consult their privacy policies as we are not responsible for their data collection, use, or sharing. Third parties may collect information directly from your browser when accessing integrated content. Some third parties may track your online activities across various websites and services.
Security Measures
Publix employs administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect collected information. However, no system is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. We are not responsible for information transmitted over networks we do not control. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your username and password(s). Publix reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts or require password changes if security is compromised. We will comply with legally required disclosures in the event of a personal information compromise, potentially through email or website posting.
Protecting Children’s Privacy
We do not knowingly solicit or collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information without consent, please contact us.
International Data Transfers
Our Services are controlled and operated from the United States. Information provided may be stored and processed in the U.S. and other countries that may offer different levels of data protection. We will handle your personal information in accordance with this Policy regardless of its storage location.
Contact Us
For questions about our Privacy Policy, privacy practices, or to update your information or preferences, please contact us.
