While attending ARDA’s annual conference back in June, I noticed that Publix was a sponsor. I was unable to visit with them during the conference due to scheduling issues, but they were able to answer my interview questions.
For this interview, their Manager of Omnichannel Business Development answered my questions.
Edson, can you tell my readers a bit of the backstory of how Publix entered into a partnership with ARDA and it’s members?
Publix entered a sponsorship with ARDA because we feel it is a professional organization that brings the timeshare industry together. Through this sponsorship, it affords us the opportunity to share the grocery delivery message as a service to all developers.
You’re obviously a well known brand name in the Central Florida area where I live and where a lot of timeshare resorts are located. Can you tell us in what other areas/states you offer your services?
Publix Super Markets operates in 7 states – Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Through our grocery delivery partner, Instacart, delivery is available in all our operating states and we are actively expanding our curbside pick-up coverage.
Does the resort or HOA have to have an agreement with you before vacationers use your service?
A resort or HOA does not need an agreement with Publix or Instacart before vacationers use the delivery or curbside pick-up services; however, when we establish a formal partnership, we are able to collaborate with our partners on a formal marketing strategy. We offer promotional discounts, marketing materials (digital and physical), marketing support and even offer an incentive program for Developers for sharing the Publix delivery and curbside pick-up message with their owners.
Any interested Developer can visit www.publix.com/businessdelivery.com for more information and to submit a request for contact.
Timeshare resorts seem like the perfect partner for Publix as most of their units have partial, if not full kitchens. Are owners limited to what they can order for delivery?
The full kitchens and typically longer vacation stays are what really piqued our interest in the timeshare industry. Owners view their timeshare as a home away from their home. We really want them to maximize their vacation and alleviate any stress they may have – we say, “Sit back. Relax. Let someone else do the shopping.”
Publix and Instacart work very diligently to bring our in-store product selections online so for the most part you are not limited on what you can order online, in fact, we also share our same in-store BOGO and sales online*.
*prices vary from in-store
Speaking of delivery, are the groceries delivered to individuals’ rooms at the resort, or is there a central drop off location at the resort? Or do individual resorts have different policies? I’m also wondering about frozen or refrigerated foods.
The groceries are delivered by Instacart to the owners’ room at the resort. The owner is encouraged to add their building number (if applicable) and room number to the delivery address. I would add that it is best practice to include the resort name.
Instacart monitors and optimizes the routing of their delivery drivers. Routes are typically short and delivery drivers are encouraged to use insulated bags to keep refrigerated and frozen items cool.
Can you tell us how your delivery fees are structured? Flat fee? Sliding scale based on order size?
Delivery fees are flat. Instacart offers an annual express membership to help eliminate delivery fees.
How long in advance do you recommend that people place their orders?
Through our partner Instacart, delivery is offered in as little as 2 hours. You’re covered should you want to plan in advance or if you decide to wait until you settle in after check-in.
Thanks to Publix for the information. By the way, I was not able to determine if any resort is picking up delivery charges for their owners, although I think that’s a great idea!
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