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What do you think about the low number of grocery stores in the U.S?

posted a month ago by Chomsky89 (439)
25 replies | jump to latest

Pros: The low number is why they can be so big. So when you get there the selection is usually massive by Western standards

Cons: Distances. Most homes are not within a 3-mile distance from their main store, and some are much further away than that.

I happen to live in a country with the opposite situation. We have more grocery stores per person than anyone else in the Western world, mostly because the population is very spread out. But since people are obviously not consuming more per capita here, the median store has a very limited selection compared to a 190.000 feet Walmart. They are almost always within a 5-minute drive from the home though.

Obviously these two are extremes so your ideal situation does not have to be anyone of these two.

But how happy are you with your situation?

Strange thing to think about, I know.

[–] PSville (744) a month ago

Fast food makes sure the number of grocery stores stays low and another number stays high.

[–] GreenGoblinsOck8 (7983) a month ago

My town has 3 grocery stores. Kroger (where I have worked since 2008), Walmart, and Schnuck's. The Kroger and Walmart are close to where I live but Schnuck's is on the other side of town from me. I used to live near Schnuck's and shop there between 2007 and 2010. Schnuck's prices suck! The only things ever on sale were chips and fruit snacks. None of the fresh Veggies or fruit were ever on sale. But I had to shop there cause I do not have a car.

[–] DarthAckbar (2317) a month ago

I would love to see your sources on this

I, like many other posters here, have 3 different stores less than a mile away

Plus, there are 2 more 3 miles away

so, that's 5 stores within your arbitrary 3 mile limit

[–] Chomsky89 (439) a month ago

" While Americans are 3.8 miles from their preferred grocery store on average, the USDA also says that their closest grocery store is 2.2 miles away on average"

https://www.upside.com/blog/how-far-will-grocery-customers-travel
The direct USDA-link has expired, so I only find other sources referring to the USDA.
I will add it if i find it.

But this study, focusing on minutes, seems to be "in line" with that (8,03 minutes away from your main store)
https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/263750/ADC19%20eBook%20Download/M12099%20Consumer%20Spend%20Research%20Info%20Graphic.pdf

[–] DarthAckbar (2317) a month ago

Thanks

[–] 123Guy (7838) a month ago

Where are you getting this info?
I been all over the US and NEVER saw a lack of grocery stores.

Do you mean in the middle of nowhere??

[–] Chomsky89 (439) a month ago

I think you misunderstood. Most americans, unless well traveled are not going to notice this. And if they do, they most likely do not think of it as a problem/lack of grocery stores. Because you drive more than all other Western nations.

[–] jacotodd47 (2398) a month ago

Seems ok to me.

Walmart is 5 miles away. Generally there every 7-10 days to load up.

We have a local store (Shop n Save) , it's a rip off, but useful for items like milk and bread. In an emergency one may buy more items there.

But the big shopping is saved for Walmart. A 5 mile drive is no problem.