Are you planning to apply for a job at Publix?
This supermarket chain boasts more than 1,300 locations throughout the United States. Publix stores offer a wide range of entry-level jobs as well as roles for people with little experience. Before applying for a job, it is important to take the time to do your research. This includes learning about the history of the company, the culture, and any policies that affect employees.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at the Publix dress code and other types of employee policies.
Contents
History Of The Publix Uniform
The company was established in 1930, and back then, Publix had a very formal and strict dress code. There were guidelines dictating every aspect of how employees were expected to dress, including grooming. They had to look very professional, especially when interacting with customers.
In the 1940s, women were issued with dresses, which had to be perfectly ironed. The dresses featured badges on the left shoulder bearing the company name and an image of the original store. Men wore short-sleeved, pleated white shirts, which had to be neatly tucked neatly into matching pants.
Read more: Target Underwear Return Policy
Fast forward a few years…
In the 1970s, women were also permitted to wear pants, which were paired with short-sleeved shirts. Women who worked in the deli section usually wore red, complete with a white headpiece with red lettering. Employees in other departments were usually provided with pastel-colored short-sleeved shirts.
In the 1980s, most associates were issued with a bright green short-sleeved shirt and matching pants. The shirt featured a white color and white edging on the sleeves and was paired with a matching apron. Bakery associates were issued a brown uniform, as well as a white apron and matching white headpiece.
Into the ’90s
Teal and coral uniforms were introduced in the 1990s. All employees were issued with a coral bow tie, which gave the uniform a professional and formal appearance.
The uniform was updated in 2000, and fresh department employees were given bright orange polo shirts. These shirts gave employees a more modern look and were more comfortable to work in. The shirts were worn with black pants and a matching black apron bearing the company logo and a nametag.
Depending on your position…
Entry-level employees in other departments were given a mint green polo shirt and a black apron. Managers and supervisors were given mint green button-down shirts and nametags. These more formal shirts indicated the senior position of these employees.
Today, most employees wear a more vibrant green polo shirt along with a black name tag. Associates in the deli and bakery departments wear gray polo shirts and black aprons. Publix Pharmacy associates wear white smocks bearing an updated Publix Pharmacy logo.
The Publix Dress Code
New Publix employees are provided with two collared shirts and two aprons to wear during their shifts. Each employee is also given a name tag, which must be attached to their apron during shifts. Employees are charged with making sure their uniforms are clean and tidy at all times.
Employees are expected to provide their own pants, shoes, and other items of clothing. Designer clothing bearing prominent logos are not permitted. Let’s take a closer look at the other aspects of the Publix store dress code.
Shoes
All employees are expected to purchase their own shoes to wear to work. Those who work in the meat, seafood, produce, and deli departments need to wear shoes with slip-resistant soles. Baristas are also expected to wear shoes with slip-resistant soles.
Shoes must be closed-toed and can be either athletic or non-athletic. The acceptable colors for non-athletic shoes are black, dark blue, gray, white, or tan. Athletic shoes must be black, white, or off-white.
Pants
These days, employees are not provided with a pair of pants as part of their uniform. However, both men and women are expected to wear pants as part of their uniform. Skirts and shorts are not generally permitted, although certain store managers may be lenient.
Pants must either be khaki or black, depending on the department the employee works in. They must be dress or business casual style and be secured at the waist with a belt. Pants must not show the underwear of employees, be too tight, or drag on the ground.
Nothing too casual!
Jeans are not permitted, even if they are black and fairly smart. Cargo pants, sweatpants, leggings, and other types of casual pants cannot be worn during shifts.
Shirts
All Publix employees are issued with official shirts when they start work. These shirts must be kept clean and in good condition and returned on their final day of work. Employees who are promoted to a new role in the company will usually be provided with new shirts.
Shirts must be tucked into pants at all times, and all the buttons must be fastened. However, employees in certain departments may be permitted to unfasten their top button.
Sweatshirts
Employees are permitted to wear sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets over their uniforms. These items of clothing must be black, dark blue, gray, brown, dark green, khaki, or white. Hooded sweatshirts and jackets cannot be worn. Employees also have to make sure that their name tags are visible at all times.
T-shirts
It can get chilly in stores, and you can wear a t-shirt under your uniform shirt if you want. The t-shirt must be plain and free from logos, graphics, slogans, and other types of designs.
Hair
Employees with hair longer than shoulder-length must tie it in a ponytail or tuck it into their shirt. Employees are permitted to dye their hair a natural color if they want. However, bright and bold colors like pink, purple, green, and blue are not usually permitted. It is a good idea to talk with the store manager before dying your hair.
Beards
Up until 2018, employees were not permitted to have facial hair of any kind. Even stubble was frowned on, and male employees were expected to shave before their shifts. The good news for male employees is that this policy has now been relaxed.
Beards and other types of facial hair are now permitted by employees of all levels. However, it is important to keep your beard clean and properly groomed. If you work in a food department, you will probably have to wear a hairnet over your beard while working. This is due to the safety rules and regulations for working around food.
Baseball caps
Publix Front Service Clerks can wear baseball caps that display the Publix logo if they want. Some associates can wear the company’s official knit cap on cold days. However, these hats are not provided as part of the uniform, and employees must purchase them. The exception is baristas, who are provided with a baseball cap as part of the barista uniform.
Earrings
Employees are allowed to wear stud earrings that measure ¾ of an inch or less. Employees can wear a maximum of four studs in each ear. Hoop earrings, drop earrings, and other jewelry that could catch on machines or be distracting are not permitted.
Facial piercings
Employees are permitted to have two facial piercings. These include eyebrow piercings, multiple tongue piercings, nose piercings, and bite piercings. Only one tongue piercing is permitted, but employees who have septum piercings must remove their jewelry. Like earrings, facial piercing jewelry must be as small and understated as possible.
Fingernails
Employees are expected to keep their fingernails clean and trimmed at all times. Long fingernails are not permitted. Employees are not permitted to wear nail polish, especially if they are working with food.
Tattoos
While you can secure a job if you have tattoos, some store managers may ask you to cover them during shifts. It is best to cover any visible tattoos when you go for your job interview. You can then discuss the policy with the store manager before your first shift. If your tattoos display nudity or political slogans, it is best to keep them covered at all times.
The Working Environment
The company has a solid reputation for being a good place to work and shop. The staff is generally friendly, and there is a good spirit of teamwork at most of the company’s stores. The company culture can be quite competitive, and employees are actively encouraged to work hard. Employees who can rise to the challenge are often promoted to more desirable positions and given higher salaries.
So, You Want To Work At Publix?
No problem! Let’s start with our in-depth guide to the Publix Application and the most common Publix Interview Questions to make sure you are fully prepared, as well as How Much Does Publix Pay for your rates, or how about what Publix Warehouse Jobs for Felons are available if you have a criminal record.
In addition, we also have our guide to the Dollar General Application to take a look at, including the most frequently asked Dollar General Interview Questions, or depending on your age, How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At Dollar General, along with How Much Does Dollar General Pay to get a better idea of your expected salary in 2023.
Before applying, please note to check on Does Dollar General Run Background Checks, as well as Does Dollar General Hire Felons if you’ve run into some trouble in the past.
Publix Dress Code – Final Thoughts
In the past, Publix had a reputation for enforcing a strict dress code on all employees. While the policy has been relaxed slightly in recent years, employees are still expected to look smart. This includes making sure clothing is neat and that they are properly groomed.
Employees who are issued with items of clothing are expected to keep them clean at all times. If an employee arrives for their shift with rips in their clothing, they are likely to be sent home. If you have any questions about the dress code, it is best to consult your manager before your shift.
All the best with your new job at Publix!