The newer Publix stores are designed so the cart holders are halfway down the parking lot, making it easier to return the carts to the store as it's a shorter distance for most parking spaces. It's interesting social engineering.

At these stores, I make sure to park half way down the lot next to the car holders out of principal. There's usually more parking, it's less cramped, fewer lose buggies to hit my car, and a very short distance to drop off my cart.