Publix Deploys Sophisticated Decision-Support Software

Publix Super Markets has signed an agreement to license sophisticated decision support software to assist in the grocer's ability to accurately and efficiently measure the impact of initiatives as varied as new capital allocation, merchandising, marketing, pricing and operations initiatives.

The Test & Learn for Sites software, part of the Test & Learn Management System from Applied Predictive Technologies (APT), will help Publix target the rollout of these various initiatives across its 1,000-plus supermarkets spanning its five-state operating area.

Publix chose the system after using the software on a trial basis to evaluate various initiatives, from understanding the impact of store remodels to marketing effectiveness, as well as gaining an improved understanding of competitive dynamics in its core markets. The Test & Learn software provided Publix with insights into how customers responded to these initiatives when they were implemented in a subset of stores, measuring changes in sales, margin, transactions and customer satisfaction against a customized portfolio of control locations.