Walmart, Giant, Wegmans, Whole Foods: America's No. 1 Grocery Store Is?

Consumer habits in grocery stores are changing, say researchers, with buyers firmly in the habit of picking up organic foods when they graze the aisles and more shoppers relying on delivery or curbside pickup at stores. Shifting shopping needs and habits mean grocery stores must revamp their offerings and their display of items.

Easy access to food staples and recipes has fueled the growth of meal kits delivered directly to the home, such as those ordered from Plated, Blue Apron, HelloFresh and Purple Carrot. When you add to that data from a study by Consumer Goods that says a quarter of millennials hit the produce, meat and dairy sections of grocery stores and only venture into the center of stores when they stock-up, you get a new ranking of what stores customers value most.

According to the Daily Meal, Whole Foods Market is No. 1 with consumers. While its higher prices have earned it the nickname "Whole Paycheck," the company is launching 365 lower-priced versions of its store nationwide. The authors say that focus on price, coupled with its quality products, earns it their top spot.

California-based Trader Joe's is runner-up for its wide range of reasonably priced products.

Surprisingly given its mega-store home, Walmart comes in at No. 3, based on its low prices and curbside pickup service.

»See the full list of America's Best Grocery Stores 2017 on the Daily Meal.

No. 12 Giant, with locations across Maryland, has launched its own meal kit line to compete with the online upstarts.

Wegmans — a popular fixture in Maryland with stores in Columbia, Crofton, Germantown, Abingdon, Hunt Valley and Woodmore near Bowie — ranks at No. 15. The retailer offers local and responsibly grown produce from its own organic farm, and sells a Wegmans affordable health food brand and artisanal products.
Longtime national chain Kroger was last at No. 25, with another giant in the industry, Safeway, at No. 18.

"It is therefore increasingly important to consumers to shop at the right grocery store, one that not only fulfills their needs with well-labeled quality produce but also provides a better, more convenient shopper experience," the authors say.

»What's your favorite grocery store? Tell other Patch readers in the Comments box below.

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