WASHINGTON - Publix, the Lakeland, Florida-based grocery chain, is introducing complementary valet service at stores throughout Tampa Bay, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

The convenient perk is part of the chain’s efforts to keep customers coming back in an area where other chains, including Walmart, Sprouts, Lucky’s and Earth Fare, are attempting to steal market share. The free service already is available at select stores in Palm Beach and Boca Raton.

After reporting a profit margin of 6.6% in 2017, the company announced a $1.5 billion expansion plan this year, including new outlets in the Mid-Atlantic and remodels for existing locations. It also tied with Wegmans, the Rochester, New York, retailer, as America’s favorite grocery chain and was included in Fortune’s top 100 places to work.