ADVICE Trends That Shaped Supermarkets in 2024 By Jaime Enrique (Rick) Parra ccording to consulting 昀椀rm DriveResearch, consumers Suggestions on how to take advantage of this trend: spent an average of $174 per trip to the grocery store in • Develop a user-friendly platform. 2024. 吀栀is statistic raises important questions: How • Optimize inventory management. did consumers choose where to spend that $174? What • Personalize the shopping experience. Afactors in昀氀uenced their decision-making process when selecting a grocery store? And, perhaps most importantly, what 2. VALUE SHOPPING IS ON THE RISE items were they going to buy? In 2024, “value shopping” in the supermarket context refers In an era of increasing choice and evolving consumer prefe- to consumers prioritizing the e昀昀ectiveness of their monetary rences, understanding grocery store trends is vital for both outlay while still looking for quality in their purchases. 吀栀is retailers and consumers. trend involves 昀椀nding the best overall value for their money. Many of these trends are already being observed and will likely continue to set the tone in 2025. Here are the top 5 super- Some key approaches: market trends and suggestions for taking advantage of them. • Highlight value o昀昀erings. • Optimize pricing strategies. 1. ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING • Leverage private brands. 吀栀e use of grocery delivery services in 3. SUSTAINABILITY 2024 is up 56% over 2022. 吀栀e sustainability trend in grocery involves implementing This first trend, which allows environmentally friendly practices in the supply chain and customers to order groceries in-store operations. online and have them delivered or picked up in-store, has trans- How grocers can embrace this trend: formed the traditional grocery • Reduce plastic packaging and promote reusable shopping experience. alternatives. According to Oracle, Walmart • Minimize food waste. (including Sam's Club) is the • Improve energy e昀케ciency in stores. largest online grocery store in the United States, with more 4. SELF-CHECKOUT AND AUTOMATION than 25% market share. 吀栀is trend involves implementing various technologies that However, many can help reduce labor costs and improve operations. signi昀椀cant compe- titors exist in the 吀栀e trend includes: grocery industry's • Scan-and-go mobile applications. home delivery • Cashierless stores. game, inclu- • Automated inventory management systems ding Amazon Fresh, Kroger, While these advances may deter the customer experience, Target, and according to Capital One, 73% of consumers prefer self-chec- Albertsons. kout to traditionally sta昀昀ed cash registers. 5. WELLNESS PRODUCTS 吀栀e wellness trend has transformed ordinary supermarkets into veritable health emporiums, re昀氀ecting a signi昀椀cant shift in consumer priorities and shopping habits. 7744 NNOOVVEEMMBBEERR/ D/ DECECEEMMBBEER 2R 200224 4 AABBAASSTOTO..CCOOMM