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 referred to as the “Services.” By using these Services, you agree to be bound by the Terms of Use and this Privacy Policy. Publix reserves the right to modify this policy at any time, and continued use of the Services signifies your agreement to these changes.
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 different sources.
The categories of information collected include:
- Identifiers: This encompasses your name, address, email, phone number, IP address, device identifiers, and more.
- Financial Information: Payment card details are collected.
- Health and Insurance Information: Prescription details are gathered for pharmacy customers.
- Demographics: Age and gender information is collected.
- Transactional Information: Records of your purchases, preferred products, and accessed content are stored.
- Internet or Other Electronic Network Activity: Details about how you interact with the Services, including mouse and keyboard activity, and information from other online services are collected.
- Location Information: Provided or derived location data helps tailor services.
- Communications: Records of interactions with customer care are kept for quality assurance.
- Video Recordings: In-store footage is used for security and operational analysis.
- Survey Responses: Information provided in surveys is collected.
- Inferences: Preferences and characteristics are inferred from collected data.
You can utilize some Services without providing personal information. However, to access certain features, you may be required to register an account or provide details like your name, address, email, phone number, credit card information, household information, demographics, and interests. Choosing not to provide this information may limit your access to certain transactions or features. When shopping in-store or online, purchase information is collected, especially when using a payment card, the Publix App, or a registered number at the register.
If you provide a mobile telephone number, you consent to receive calls and SMS/text messages for any purpose, including advertising, sent via automatic dialing systems. You agree to promptly notify Publix of any changes to your number and indemnify Publix against claims arising from your failure to do so. Standard carrier rates and fees may apply.
Information may also be obtained from third parties to update records, identify new customers, and prevent fraud. This includes data from social media platforms and third-party applications when you interact with Publix on those platforms.
Automatic data collection via cookies and similar technologies helps ensure Services function correctly, improve user experience, support marketing campaigns (including targeted advertising), understand customer behavior, and personalize your experience. This can include your IP address, device type, operating system, referring websites, session times, interaction data, and viewed content.
When using mobile devices, Publix or its service providers may collect device type, identifiers, IP address, operating system, browser, usage information, and location. Permissions for camera and photo file access may be requested for features like scanning barcodes or capturing images of products.
Precise location information can be collected via Bluetooth beacons, GPS, Wi-Fi, or cell tower signals after you grant permission. This enables location-based services, content, and offers, such as nearby store locations and deals. You can manage these permissions through your device settings or by uninstalling mobile applications.
Pharmacy customers’ Protected Health Information (PHI) is handled according to the Publix Pharmacy Notice of Privacy Practices.
Information about others, such as gift recipients or individuals picking up items, will only be used for the specific reason provided.
Why We Collect Your Information
Information is collected for purposes permitted by law, including:
- Fulfilling product, program, or service requests.
- Completing and managing purchases, orders, refunds, returns, and exchanges.
- Responding to inquiries.
- Offering potentially interesting products, programs, or services.
- Achieving the purposes for which information was provided.
- Conducting surveys, research, analysis, or market studies.
- Operating, evaluating, and enhancing business operations.
- Preventing or detecting fraud.
- Delivering promotional and marketing communications, special offers, or advertisements, including targeted ads based on online activity.
- Creating and delivering personalized content, offers, services, and advertising.
- Maintaining and administering accounts (Club Publix, GreenWise Markets, etc.).
- Conducting promotional activities and contests.
- Communicating regarding accounts, purchases, or other issues.
- Protecting the rights or safety of individuals and Publix.
- Complying with legal requirements, contractual obligations, industry standards, and policies.
Collected information may be combined from various sources. Non-personal, aggregate statistics or demographic information may be used and disclosed without restriction.
How We May Disclose Your Information
Personal information may be shared in the following circumstances:
- Business Partners and Advertisers: For marketing and advertising purposes, though your personal information is not sold or rented for monetary compensation.
- Service Providers: To perform functions on Publix’s behalf (e.g., hosting, transactional communications, order fulfillment, payment processing). These providers receive only the information necessary for their tasks.
- Anonymized Information: Shared with third parties after being altered or combined to prevent individual identification.
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, court order, subpoena, or other regulatory demands.
- Investigation of Unlawful Activity: If disclosure is necessary to comply with law, operate Services, protect rights, or investigate suspected unlawful activity.
- Related Subsidiaries and Affiliates: Subject to this Policy’s terms.
- Business Asset Transfers: In association with the potential or actual sale or transfer of business assets.
- With Your Consent: Or as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which information was collected.
Sharing will be limited in accordance with your choices and applicable law.
Public Information and Your Options
Information posted in public forums on the Services may be publicly available and searchable by search engines. Exercise caution before posting.
You have options regarding the information collected:
- Opt-out of Marketing: Stop receiving marketing or promotional emails, direct mail, phone, and mobile marketing communications.
- Update Information: Correct or update the information you provide.
- Request Account Cancellation: Ask for your account to be canceled or for your information to no longer be used to provide services.
To exercise these options:
- Follow opt-out instructions in marketing communications.
- Log in to your Publix Account online to update information or preferences.
- Return to the program sign-up area to modify information.
- Call 800-242-1227 with your request.
- Contact Publix online.
Opting out of a specific communication type may not affect other communication types unless other options are exercised. Publix or its vendors may retain your information for business purposes, including backups, analysis, records of deletions, legal requirements, and data retention policies, even if you request it no longer be used to provide services.
Pharmacy customers have HIPAA-defined rights regarding PHI, detailed in the Pharmacy Notice Of Privacy Practices. Virginia residents have additional privacy rights outlined in the Virginia Privacy Notice.
Cookies, Tracking Technologies, and Interest-Based Advertising
By using the Services, you consent to the use of cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies by Publix and third parties. These technologies help customize your experience, improve Services, understand customer interests, and troubleshoot issues.
Most browsers accept cookies by default, but you can disable this feature. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality and personalization of some Services. You may also have choices regarding online network advertisers via third-party tools.
Publix uses technologies to track content views, email engagement, and advertising effectiveness. Google Analytics is used to understand Service usage; information on Google’s data use is available via their privacy policy.
Publix’s 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
The Services may link to or embed content from third parties. Their information practices may differ from Publix’s. Consult third-party privacy policies, as Publix is not responsible for their data collection, use, or sharing. Third parties may collect information directly when you access integrated content. Some third parties may track your online activities across various websites and services.
Security
Publix employs administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect collected information. However, no system is 100% secure, and Publix cannot guarantee absolute security. Publix is not responsible for the security of information transmitted over networks it does not control. You are responsible for protecting your username and password confidentiality. Publix may suspend or terminate accounts or require password changes if security is compromised. Legally required disclosures will be made in the event of a personal information compromise, with notification provided via email or conspicuous posting on the Services as permitted by law.
Protecting Children’s Privacy
Publix does not knowingly solicit or collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information without consent, please contact Publix.
International Data Transfers and Use
Services are controlled and operated from the United States. Information provided may be stored and processed in the U.S. and other countries, which may not offer the same level of personal data protection. Publix will handle your personal information in accordance with this Policy regardless of storage location.
Contacting Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy, privacy practices, or to update information or preferences, please contact Publix.
