Finding the right place to grocery shop
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EmailA survey of recent U.S. consumer grocery shopping habits reveals changes in the types of stores where we shop.
The American shopper spends an average of $113 per week on groceries according to Mintel Group Ltd. in its Grocery Retailing US, November 2016 report. The types of stores and venues we shop at reflects a diversity of behaviors.
In its survey of 1,952 adults with Internet access and responsibility for grocery buying, Mintel shows a mix of activity in stores from the established to the new. Respondents were asked to indicate, as follows: “For each store type, please indicate if you are purchasing groceries there more often, less often, or about the same compared to one year ago.”
Stores types where people shopped more often were Walmart, supermarkets and club stores at the rate of 19 percent or more. Sixteen per cent shopped more often at dollar stores and natural/organic stores, and 15 percent at Target, farmer’s markets, and on-line.
In contrast, 42 percent never shop for groceries at convenience stores, 40 percent at natural/organic stores, 32 percent at farmer’s markets, 30 percent at club stores, 29 percent at dollar stores.
Where people do or do not shop for groceries is of importance for those operating retail stores, and those who supply them.
For information on marketing, managing, or starting a food, agriculture, bio economy and natural resources business development, contact the Michigan State University Product Center at www.productcenter.msu.edu or 517-432-8750. Michigan State University Extension Innovation Counselors are available statewide for free business counseling.
