OP: don't let one or two jerk employees totally turn you off Publix.

I had a really bad experience with a cashier in my nearby Publix a while ago. It was so bad, it almost totally put me off couponing all together. She was a cranky old lady, wannabe couponer, coke bottle glasses...nearly blind. She had no problem asking me previously where I got all my coupons but when it was HER turn to check me out, what coupons she was able to see, she was determined to try to refuse. She was hateful and cranky and kept turning to the cashier in the next lane and telling her and whatever customer was around that I had given her a wrong coupon (when I hadn't). I had to explain and justify every coupon to her. Eventually, I erupted and asked her if she would like me to take my coupons to another cashier WHO UNDERSTANDS THEM! I was depressed for a week when thinking about having to go through that again. Thank goodness that I muddled through and kept on it. My kid got a job at that very same store and from talking to the kids that work there I've found out that that cashier is a total nut, an alcoholic, hoarder who wants to do the deals we do but said "she doesn't own a computer".

There was a CSM at that store that seemed to be hated by employees and customers alike. One day, she just wasn't there any more! The new CSM is a sweetheart and actually opened a register when she saw me yesterday. She knew I was a serious couponer and with the gas cards this week, I hit them hard. She never stopped smiling and being super sweet. I was able to do 76% off of a HUGE food and gas card order.

I'm so glad I didn't give up!