22 • March | April 2026 • abasto.com BY CHRISTIAN ARMSTRONG VP OF PRODUCT MANAGEMENT AT SPECTRIO. G rocery stores have weathered the broader retail shakeout partly be- cause of the products they sell. Buying produce still feels better when you can size it up yourself; an online order for apples can’t guarantee the ripeness, color, or size you want. But another reason the sector is holding steady is how quickly grocers have modernized. People may prefer choosing food in per- son, but they increasingly expect the digi- tal conveniences they rely on elsewhere. That expectation is reshaping how the average trip works. Most shoppers sti- ll head to the store, but many keep their phones out while they walk the aisles, checking prices, hunting for deals, compa- ring options, and tracking their spending. Apps tied to loyalty programs now sur- face tailored offers rather than generic weekly promotions, giving people a sense that the store knows what they buy. The result is that a grocery run no lon- ger feels strictly physical. It’s also driven by screens, apps, and personalized sugges- tions that guide decisions in real time. The Grocery Store Is Going Digital and Shoppers Are Paying Attention Almost 90% of consumers still prefer to buy food in person • Continues on page 24 • TECHNOLGY FOCUS