George W. Jenkins opened his first Publix Food Store in September 1930, some 90 years before Mainstreet would launch online in 2020. This month old and new are coming together as Publix joins Mainstreet as our newest—and largest—advertiser to date.
Starting Sept. 21, Publix will begin inserting its weekly grocery and liquor circulars into our print edition.
This is a bellwether moment for Mainstreet Daily News. Partnering with the No. 1 grocer in Florida is marks an important step in our development as we seek to become the most trusted source of news and information in North Central Florida.
As you might know, Publix does not add a new publication to its advertising program without a thorough analysis. We are honored that less than three months after launching our new print edition Publix recognized the value we bring residents in Alachua County.
Landing the Publix account is good news for everyone. It brings Publix 20,000 new readers in neighborhoods close to its 15 area stores, and for readers, it delivers your Publix circular on Wednesday so you can plan your shopping around weekly specials that start on Thursday.
I am highlighting this partnership in part because it’s important to note that not all newspapers are on the decline. In fact, while dailies are often struggling, community papers are doing well and have a positive future. We are the bright spot in the news industry.
Major accounts like Publix know what many local businesses already know—that you can’t top the relevance and effectiveness of a locally owned newspaper for hometown news and reader engagement.
It is our highly localized news coverage in print and online that sets apart Mainstreet Daily News. We publish dozens of stories and news items every week about local people, local businesses, local civic groups, local prep sports and local events.
The key word here is local. And local is why Publix added us to its family.
As publisher, I can tell you that getting the Publix account feels a bit like coming of age. It legitimizes our growing team’s work of the past two years to bring you a well-written digital, and now printed, newspaper with relevant stories and advertisements that make life in Gainesville and Alachua County a little bit easier, more enjoyable, and more interesting.