This policy outlines how Publix Super Markets, Inc. (“Publix,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and protects the information gathered through its websites, mobile applications, and other online and offline services (collectively, the “Services”). By using the Services, you agree to our Terms of Use and this Privacy Policy. Publix reserves the right to modify this policy at any time, and continued use of the Services after such modifications constitutes agreement to the revised terms.
How and What Information We Collect
Publix gathers information through direct interactions, third-party sources, social media platforms, and automated technologies. This includes:
- Identifiers: Name, address, email, phone number, IP address, device identifiers, government identifiers, and cookie-associated identifiers.
- Financial Information: Payment card details.
- Health Information: Prescription details for pharmacy customers, subject to HIPAA regulations and our separate HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.
- Demographics: Age and gender.
- Transactional Information: Purchase history, product preferences, coupon usage, and content accessed.
- Internet/Electronic Activity: Details on how you interact with our Services, emails, and online advertisements, including browser and device information.
- Location Information: Provided city/state or derived from your device/browser settings.
- Communications: Records of interactions with customer care for quality assurance.
- Video Recordings: In public areas for security, safety, and operational purposes.
- Survey Responses: Information provided in surveys.
- Inferences: Preferences derived from collected data.
We collect information directly from you when you register for accounts, provide identification, or engage with our Services. If you provide a mobile telephone number, you consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages, including advertising, from Publix. We also obtain information from third parties, including social media platforms, to update records, identify customers, and prevent fraud.
Automated technologies like cookies and web beacons are used to collect information on service usage, marketing campaign support, and personalization. This includes technical data about your device, browser, and online activity. When using mobile devices, we may collect device identifiers, IP address, operating system, and location data, with your permission, to provide location-based services and offers. You can manage location permissions through your device settings.
We collect information about others only for the specific purpose you provide it, such as for gift recipients or item pickup.
Why We Collect Your Information
Publix uses the collected information to:
- Fulfill product, program, and service requests.
- Process purchases, orders, refunds, and exchanges.
- Respond to inquiries.
- Offer relevant products, programs, and services.
- Conduct surveys, research, and market studies.
- Operate, evaluate, and enhance business operations.
- Prevent and detect fraud.
- Deliver targeted marketing communications and advertisements.
- Create and deliver personalized content and advertising.
- Administer your Publix or GreenWise Markets accounts.
- Conduct promotional activities and contests.
- Communicate about accounts, purchases, or other issues.
- Protect the rights and safety of you, us, or others.
- Comply with legal requirements and enforce policies.
We may combine data from various sources and use aggregate, non-personal statistics without restriction.
How We May Disclose Your Information
Publix may share your information in the following circumstances:
- With business partners and advertisers for marketing and advertising purposes, though we do not sell or rent personal information for monetary compensation.
- With service providers who perform functions on our behalf, such as hosting, order fulfillment, and payment processing.
- Anonymized information with third parties after it has been processed to prevent individual identification.
- When required by law, regulation, court order, subpoena, or other regulatory requirement.
- If disclosure is necessary to comply with law, operate the Services, protect rights and safety, or investigate unlawful activity.
- With our subsidiaries and affiliates, in accordance with 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 limit sharing in accordance with your choices and applicable law.
Your Options Regarding Your Information
You have choices regarding the information we collect and how it’s used:
- Opt-out of Marketing: Stop receiving marketing or promotional emails, direct mail, phone, and mobile communications by following opt-out instructions provided.
- Update Information: Log in to your Publix Account or contact us to update your personal information or communication preferences.
- Cancel Account: Request to cancel your account or cease the use of your information for service provision. Note that Publix may retain information for business purposes, including backups, legal requirements, and data retention policies.
Pharmacy customers have specific rights regarding Protected Health Information (PHI) as outlined in the Publix Pharmacy Notice of Privacy Practices. Virginia residents have additional privacy rights detailed in the Virginia Privacy Notice.
Cookies, Tracking Technologies, and Interest-Based Advertising
By using the Services, you consent to our use of cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies, including those operated by third parties. These technologies help us customize your experience, improve the Services, and support marketing efforts. Most browsers accept cookies by default, but you can disable this feature. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain Services. You can learn more about opting out of interest-based advertising from third-party providers at www.aboutads.info/choices. Our digital properties do not currently respond to “do not track” requests. We use Google Analytics to understand service usage, and you can review Google’s privacy policies for more information.
Third-Party Content and Activities
The Services may contain links to or integrate content from third parties. Publix is not responsible for the information practices of these third parties. We encourage you to consult their privacy policies.
Security
Publix employs administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect collected information. However, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information. 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.
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 and Use
Our Services are controlled and operated from the United States. Information you provide may be stored, processed, and accessed in countries that may not offer the same level of data protection as your own. However, we will handle your personal information in accordance with this Policy regardless of its storage location.
Contacting Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy, our privacy practices, or to update your information or preferences, please contact us.
