According to a report released by Placer.ai earlier this month, fresh-format grocers like Sprouts are experiencing an increase in affluent shoppers and a rise in quick shopping trips.
While traditional supermarkets, value grocers, and ethnic grocers saw modest increases in overall visits in the second quarter of the year compared to the same period a year ago, visits to retailers that feature produce and other fresh items rose significantly (10%) in that time period.
Placer reports that fresh-format grocers now attract more affluent shoppers than any other grocery format. In fact, the segment’s rapid growth reflects a broader trend: premium grocery brands that focus on health and wellness are becoming the main engine of sector growth.
Furthermore, grocery trips have become shorter in the past couple years, and fresh-format grocers are benefitting from this trend since many of their customers come in for supplemental shopping trips and appreciate the quick in-and-out experience. The downside, though, is that these stores have the lowest share of loyal customers. Traditional supermarkets still lead in that category.
