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Publix vs Wal Mart ???

arkiegirlBeach Lover
14,524 views
I am not very familiar with Publix stores, but I am all too familiar with Wal Mart (notice my name "Arkiegirl"). I have in the past had horrible experiences with the Destin WM--espically on Sunday :pissed: . I plan to bring most of my groceries, but will still have things to pick up. How does the Publix and WM compare--espically in price? Selection?

I KNOW we will have to make a trip to WM at some point in the week, but to pick up those first few grocery items should I go to Publix? :idontno:

Also, we are staying at Camping on the Gulf--almost to SanDestin, where is the closet Publix--in case I go that route? I am thinking there is one to the east towards SanDestin resort.

Replies

43
John R avatar
John Rneeds to get out more
#27
John, surprisingly enough, beach equipment at Publix runs about the same price as it does other places. We had to purchase "emergency" chairs and an umbrella in April, and we bought the cheapest chairs at $10 each, I think it was, and an umbrella for $15.

i sold them for $15 and $20 last week after publix ran out.
peapod1980 avatar
peapod1980percy
#28
i sold them for $15 and $20 last week after publix ran out.
:roll:
dbuck avatar
dbuckBeach Fanatic
#29
If we wait until early Sunday moning to shop at publix, my wife is afraid they will be out of many items. Any thought or comments? Also, where is the best place to purchase beach chairs and what is a good price range? (years past we have rented chairs/umbrella at beach). We are staying in Blue Mountain Beach at Adagio Condos. thanks. John 😀

John, most all of the "sand chairs" are about the same price, $10-$15. I am old school and still prefer the tri-fold beach chair. If that is what you want you may have to go to Wal-Mart or Target to get one of those.

We stayed at the Adagio in May, you will love it.
Beach Runner avatar
Beach Runnerbeats on hood
#30
I avoid Wal-Mart like the plague. It takes forever to shop there because parking is always a nightmare, everything is so spread out in the store that it takes forever to shop there (such as when you are grocery shopping and want a pharmacy item, you have to go to the other side of the store), and checkout is maddenly slow.

And the Publix beach chairs *are* just as cheap as at Wal-Mart. Also, one of our spring break renters broke the coffeemaker. I decided to buy a Mr. Coffee instead of another expensive one because renters just can't seem to figure out how to use the expensive ones because they don't take the time to read the instructions. I priced the same Mr. Coffee at Publix and Wal-Mart; Publix was cheaper.
danhall avatar
danhallBeach Lover
#31
If you are staying at Adagio in Blue Mountain, there is a health food store about 100 yards from you. It's called For The Health Of It, right by Big Daddy's Bike Shop. It would be worth the two minute walk to see their selection. It's all good stuff, plus you can get a smoothie.
Camp Creek Kid avatar
Camp Creek KidChristini Zambini
#32
I grocery shop at Publix, but used to go to Wal-Mart for things like diapers, laundry detergent, etc. No need for that at all now with the Pier Park Target. The Target in Destin is a few miles west of the Wal-mart, but I'd still suggest going to Target instead of Wal-Mart. If you're at Seaside or east, the Pier Park Target will be closer (and much faster drive) than the Destin Wal-mart. Also, Targets have a small food section where you can pick up a gallon of milk, loaf of bread, etc. so you don't have to make two trips.

Another thing to consider about Wal-Mart--you must take a cooler(s) for the refrigerated items and the ice cream will probably melt before you get it home. It is much more convenient to shop at Publix where you can be home in 10 minutes instead of 45!
beachmouse avatar
beachmouseBeach Fanatic
#33
And Target's Archer Farms store brand has some really good snack and junk food options. I love the olive oil potato chips, and sodas, and most of their products have relatively short ingredient lists containging only things you can pronounce.
destinconciergeBeach Lover
#34
why not skip the grocery stores altogether? Send us your list, we will stock your fridge and pantry before you even arrive!:clap:
Bob avatar
BobSoWal Insider
#35
if you must go to walmart, 6am is a great time.
If you want to see the robe and meth people, try anytime after midnight. Very fun, and makes the walk back to your car more exercise.
Smiling JOe avatar
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert
#36
If you want to see the robe and meth people, try anytime after midnight. Very fun, and makes the walk back to your car more exercise.
Problem with that is all of the stockers block the rows with the big, preventing access to some of the merchandise.
ladyjBeach Lover
#37
We're set to roll into Sandestin in a month and my biggest fear was not hurricanes, sharks, or jellyfish but the very real possibility of having a fatal cerebral hemorrhage at one of the local big box food and supply marts. :bang: :bang:

:rofl: :floor: :floor: :floor:
Teresa avatar
TeresaSoWal Guide
#38
I quit walmart years ago. driving into destin is a nightmare. and walmart is equally nightmarish. but, now that Fresh Market is there, I'm finding that I must go on occasion!:roll:

skunky's suggestion about the 331 superwalmart is a very good one!

there is also a target in PCB, just past Hwy 79 on the right. very convenient if you need it for some reason.

oh, I see CCK mentioned the new target... thanks!

Edited

ShallowsNole avatar
ShallowsNoleBeach Fanatic
#39
I was thrilled when Publix came to town. I fell in love with Publix in Tallahassee twenty-something years ago, and missed it greatly when I moved back.

It is so nice to be able to get home with ice cream (like I really need it - no comments from the peanut gallery, please!). However, if I have to go to Destin or DeFuniak anyway, about once a month I do still take my frozen food carriers to Wal-Mart. We go through a LOT of heat-and-eat in my home, and it's hard to beat frozen pizzas for 2 bucks apiece. I also reward myself on these missions by picking up a load of sweet honey bbq chicken nuggets from the deli. But I no longer make a special trip, and that is a good thing. 😀
JHABeach Comber
#40
Wher is the Pier Park Target in relationship to the Publix in San Destin? Also, please tell me about The Fresh market and its location. thanks. John

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