Publix is quietly walking back a store policy across hundreds of its locations that sparked customer backlash last year, after recently reporting weak sales growth. However, the reversal is already triggering renewed fallout.
The grocery chain, which has over 1,400 locations nationwide, saw its comparable store sales remain flat during the first quarter of 2025, according to its latest earnings report.
Publix also saw its net income drop by 21.5% year over year. It generated $794 million in net income, down from $1 billion in the same quarter in 2025.
Publix said in the report that the new Medicare drug pricing program, which restricts the amount that pharmacies can be reimbursed for 10 select prescription drugs, negatively impacted sales during the quarter.
However, the grocery chain’s weak performance comes during a time when many Americans are struggling to afford groceries amid economic pressures.
A recent LendingTree survey found that 49% of Americans find it at least somewhat difficult to afford food right now, and 90% have changed how they shop for groceries to combat higher food prices. This includes watching prices more closely, cutting back on “splurge” items, and buying generic brands.
“For many Americans, grocery shopping is no longer a mindless errand,” wrote Lauren Clifford, a senior writer at LendingTree, in the survey release. “Saving money at the store now takes more time, effort and attention.”
Publix reverses major store policy amid mounting pressure
In addition to dealing with a more price-conscious consumer, Publix sparked controversy late last year when it updated its policy to allow shoppers to openly carry firearms in its over 900 Florida store locations, further threatening its sales.
The change followed a Florida appeals court’s ruling in September that overturned the state’s open carry ban.
Some Publix customers threatened to boycott the grocery chain over the policy change. Others even started a petition demanding that the company reverse its open carry policy.
In response to the backlash, Publix at the time defended its policy, vowing to ensure a safe shopping experience for customers.
Related: Publix angers customers by removing convenient payment option
“In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic, or dangerous shopping experience — whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not — we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates,” said Publix in the statement to The New York Times in October.
However, Publix is now quietly walking back its open carry policy. According to a recent report from the Sun Sentinel, Publix has posted signs inside and at the front entrances of its Florida stores warning customers that its policy has changed.
“Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores,” reads the sign.
The same message now appears on Publix’s customer service FAQ website.
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RTMNexus CEO Dominick Miserandino said in a statement to TheStreet that Publix’s weak first-quarter performance likely prompted the grocery chain to shift gears on its policy.
“Publix is finally admitting that while the law is one story, the average consumer doesn’t feel great buying their bananas next to an AK-47,” said Miserandino.
“The weak Q1 numbers sent a clear message: ideology doesn’t pay the rent when families are too uncomfortable to walk through the front door,” he continued. “This quiet reversal is a desperate attempt to pivot back to ‘pleasurable shopping’ before the brand damage becomes a permanent line item on their balance sheet.”
Publix’s latest change sparks another consumer boycott threat
While some consumers took to social media platform X to applaud the change, open-carry supporters threatened to boycott the grocery chain.
“I may step inside a @Publix again now that they outlaw open carry,” wrote one consumer on X.
“@publix just reversed their open carry policy inside of the grocery store. No longer allowing it. Bioengineered food and now can’t carry your gun for safety. Time to boycott #boycottpublix,” wrote another.
“Open-carry citizens and supporters need to find somewhere else to grocery shop. @Publix can have its anti-Second Amendment nonsense…and pro-2A believers can equally exercise their choice to shop elsewhere,” wrote another consumer.
The boycott threats come at a time when more consumers nationwide are voting with their dollars, according to Numerator’s 2026 Visions Report.
How Americans feel about boycotting companies in 2026:
- Roughly 1 in 5 U.S. consumers have switched their shopping habits to actively avoid certain retailers, up 3 percentage points since July 2025.
- Also, 38% participated in at least one product, brand, or store boycott in the past year.
- About 48% of U.S. consumers said they would stop purchasing from a company that doesn’t align with their social or political stances, up 2 percentage points since July 2025.
Source: Numerator
“As consumers see the impact of shifting spend, from retailers like Target to ones like Costco, they’re likely becoming more confident in their ability to influence the market through where they choose to spend,” said Numerator analyst Shawn Paustian in a statement to TheStreet.
The last thing Publix needs is another consumer boycott. The company recently lost its position as America’s most trusted grocer.
A ranking list compiled by Newsweek and market research firm Statista found that Publix ranked No. 4 in consumer trust among U.S. grocers.
This comes after Publix snagged the No. 1 spot in 2024 and dropped to second place in 2025, losing the top spot to WinCo Foods.
Related: Kroger drops new offer for customers as grocery prices climb
