Publix supermarket facts and discussion about new open-carry guns policy

[steve2470]

Note: If you hate Publix or would never shop there, that's cool. Please just refrain from this discussion, thanks.

Hi all, I took a long break from DU but this issue (amongst many others) has driven me back.

Two part discussion:

1- What do you know about the "open carry" guns policy in Publix ?
Reference here: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/publix-to-allow-open-carry-in-stores-prompting-mixed-reactions-from-shoppers/

2- What have you seen as the reaction to this policy ?

I know a lasting comprehensive boycott of Publix would change this policy, if that could be accomplished.

Thanks sincerely !

Steve

[drmeow]

1. I suspect that Publix

(as would any other store) took a look at the cultural attitudes on a state by state basis and the laws and decided that the negative PR that would be generated by a right wing gun enthusiast in Florida posting a (potentially edited) video or nasty comment about being not being allowed to carry a gun into the store would be more damaging than a boycott or threatened boycott. In recent years the right has been more effective at boycotts and threatened boycotts than the left.

Personally, I think what would be more effective would be if everyone who cares walked out of Publix (or any other store) - leaving half full carts is necessary - the minute they saw someone with a gun. I did that at a dollar store (back when I still shopped at dollar stores) in Arizona. I saw a guy with a gun on his belt, quickly moved to a different aisle and, after thinking about it, walked out of the store without making a purchase. I would have done it at a Lowe's here in Virginia but we were finishing up a purchase. Can you imagine what the effect would be if, say, 1/2 the shoppers stopped and walked out of the store the minute they saw someone with a gun? THAT would wake corporate up even more than a boycott (as it would be a very clear direct cause and effect).

[J_William_Ryan]

2. Another good reason to have your groceries delivered.

And there are many who carry concealed where you have no idea they have a gun.

[Wonder Why]

3. Now what will happen when someone with a gun strapped to their side wants the last bottle

of ketchup left in the store that you just picked up?

Or even sees the anti-ICE wording on the back of your T-shirt?

Or hears you try out your Spanish with someone who has been speaking it?

Or is in a rush to get through the checkout line and insists on being allowed to get in front of you?

[HAB911]

4. Considering the violence level between left and right

I don't see how Publix could possibly go back on their open carry stance, now they have chosen this path. They would risk the wrath of the right and I don't think they would risk it.

[steve2470]

5. update: I did talk to a manager at my local Publix

It was a very calm and polite discussion. Basically, the manager stated corporate felt "compelled" to do the open carry policy because 1- many other states already have open carry and 2- the law recently changed in Florida. He didn't seem enthusiastic about the policy. He stated many in the stores are already doing concealed carry. I asked him what I should do if someone who is armed "bothers me". He would not be pinned down on where the line is, barring the armed customer brandishing his/her firearm.

I didn't see anyone with guns while I was at my pharmacy in the store. If I see anyone so armed, I'm giving him/her a wide berth out of an abundance of caution.

[carpetbagger]

6. Open carry is brandishing.

There is probably a residual and narrow legal definition of brandishing that is outside permissible display under open carry. However, carrying a gun in plain sight into a supermarket is intended to be a showy threat end of story. It just happens to be legal now.

As to your questions, former Floridian with an elderly parent there, so I'm around frequently and am quite aware of the policy. I dislike Publix from CIW days but end up shopping there for my mother. She hates the policy but still shops there. And that's my sense, Publix essentially has a monopoly on traditional supermarkets on the white side of the tracks in Peninsular Florida. I sense they're leading rather than following here, as there's no major competitor to them who allows it. The right-wing tilt of the organization is well-documented and this is just another step.

[Ouroborosnek]

7. So far haven't seen anyone open carrying yet

in the multiple Publix near by (I guess there's a 4 Publix minimum to some cities?), I think I would also feel compelled to move to another aisle or leaving outright if I saw someone carrying.

A decrease in traffic could have that effect of changing their policy, but their higher prices alone could lead to less store traffic, especially nowadays. Unless there are no other options or convenience.

[HAB911]

8. Winn-Dixie is going to give it a try

Seriously, there are 10 Publix in a 10 mile radius of my house, 2 Winn-Dixie

https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/2025/11/24/winn-dixie-is-going-all-in-florida-will-gamble-pay-off/