Publix introduces one-way aisles to promote social distancing
“This will allow customers and associates to better distance themselves while in the aisle," the company said.

By Richard Danielson
Tampa Bay Times
Published: Apr 10, 2020

Publix has introduced one-way aisles to promote social distancing in its stores.

“The health and well-being of our customers, associates and communities are our top priority," the Lakeland-based company said in a statement. "To help with customer traffic flow, we have added directional markings, company wide, to our aisles. This will allow customers and associates to better distance themselves while on the aisle.”

The directions are turning up as arrows made of blue tape at the end of each aisle, creating a serpentine path from aisle to aisle through the store.

The one-way aisles come in addition to signs and public address announcements in stores “to remind customers and associates of the importance of social distancing,” the company said.

“Store managers can also limit the number of customers in stores,” the company told followers on Instagram Friday. For example, a Tampa Bay Times reporter in Gainesville late last month saw one Publix where the number of shoppers inside the store was limited. The company, which has stores in seven southeastern states, also told Instagram followers that it continues to follow guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on maintaining safe workplaces.

“With their recent change, we are allowing our associates to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), for the duration of the national emergency,” it said. “While inventory is available, we are also providing masks and gloves for associates.”