New Fare reposted this
Been talking about small format #grocery for years now, exciting to see the number of players entering the space. Trader Joe's just opened a grab n go concept (they say their one-and-only), Pronto, in Union Square #NYC. A few weeks ago Whole Foods Market announced a larger strategy and plan to roll out Whole Foods Market Daily Shop - longtime coming! And stores like Happier Grocery, Choice Market and Luke's Local have come in alongside Foxtrot as stand-alone (non spinoff) offerings in cities across the country. Interesting to think about what people want and expect from their #grocery stores today. To me this movement says a lot about how we’re eating, the time and attention we give to meals, and how blended these occasions are with snacking. (I'm also biased but think that Whole Foods Market did such an amazing job during its heyday to bring in lunch and dinner business - that grocery stores and customer expectations were changed forever). There's major room for growth with smaller footprint stores matching younger generations' appetite for short form eating. The concepts who nail their assortment, focus on speed, quality and convenience, stand to win. New Fare Christina Minardi Mitchell Madoff Rob T. #groceryretail #cpg #cpgbrands #4wall #realestate #omnichannel #snacking #fastcasual https://lnkd.in/eQi2fJ8R
Brian Halweil
3mo
Also a throwback to small, more specialized shops, the simplicity of choice (reduced cognitive load) and the intimacy of a more confined space. Some of favorite childhood memories are of going to teeny, tiny bakeries, butcheries and hardware stores in NYC that weren't much wider than two customers :) Thanks for the heads up, Elly. Can't wait to visit Pronto and see what else emerges.
Andrea Hernández
3mo
Ahhh who could have guessed this oh wait: https://www.snaxshot.com/p/snaxshot-17-curated-groceries
Rob T.
3mo
I think a point that’s important not to lose sight of is, that it isn’t just size and selection that makes these smaller store formats compelling, but an authentic and intentional focus on hospitality- creating a warm, welcoming, caring Cx. 😌#unreasonablehospitality #mayaangelou
Laura Facussé
3mo
100% - I just conducted a research study on this and even at coffee shops customers are also looking for grab and go.
Eventually the US will catch up with the UK and Europe when it comes food shopping/channels, Elly Truesdell I do miss a Tesco Express - smaller shops = better meal planning = less food waste ✅😊
Louise Kramer
3mo
True confessions: I live a short walk from Pronto and have not been tempted to walk in (I will given this thread! I hope I haven't lost my grocery store curiosity!). I am a frequent Trader Joe's shopper at their store next door. I already view Trader's as a limited assortment. I don't need the further limitations Pronto offers. And, as Karen Karp mentioned, the space formerly housed Trader Joe's much-loved wine shop, which was shuttered without notice over unionizing efforts.
Hannah Pickett
3mo
yes! personally love the small format/curated grocery trend (cue "what is in a name..." verse)! there's a reason why they call them "convenient" stores - i love popping into my closest Thom's, Cork & Brew or Foxtrot to discover products but also to *quickly* grab what i need! it feels intimate, it's usually the same friendly face at check-out, and well, so much easier than battling the lines, parking and chaos at WFM Lamar. 😅
Danielle Kidney
3mo
We have been following the micro grocery stores popping up all over Los Angeles and have a report highlighting each one we visited. Message me if you are interested in reading it. 🧡 The Creative Pack LLC
Everyone: read this article! TJ's opened this "one off" shop (no more are planned) to rationalize the closing of its wine shop, where workers were trying to organize + join a union. There's no "culture of hospitality" going on here, no seeking to reduce shoppers' cognitive overload (good one, Brian Halweil!), just filling some space with "sharply priced" grab and go until the flames of workers rights might fade. On the topic of smaller format stores, Elly Truesdell, I am with you - they would surely fill a need and add color, texture and humanity to the chainification of urban real estate.