Supermarkets and Grocery Stores in the US Industry Market Research Report from IBISWorld Has Been Updated

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Competition from big-box stores is expected to intensify over the next five years

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 22, 2014

The Supermarkets and Grocery Stores industry has suffered from declines in the quantity and quality of purchases over the past five years. According to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Jeffrey Cohen, “During the recession, high unemployment and low household disposable income drove consumers to reduce spending on premium-brand products.” Instead, they increased spending on generic brands and discounted items, harming supermarkets and grocery store sales. As the economy began to recover and household disposable income slightly increased, consumers slowly returned to prerecession habits, treating themselves to more expensive restaurant meals and decreasing the number of grocery shopping trips. Consequently, revenue declined in 2011 and 2012. Overall, industry revenue fell at an annualized rate of 0.4% to $522.5 billion, including a 1.7% decrease in 2014.

Competition from supercenters and warehouse clubs, especially Walmart and Costco, increased throughout the five years to 2014 because of their low prices and extensive product ranges. Profit margins steadily declined over the past five years due to the low mark-up prices attached to groceries in supermarkets. While economic recovery provided grocery stores with the ability to raise prices, high operating costs continued to shrink profit margins. As a result of shrinking profit margins and increasing competition from supercenters, the number of enterprises fell at an annualized rate of 1.1% to 35,761 during the five years to 2014.

Throughout the next five years, IBISWorld expects demand to slightly increase, generating a steady stream of revenue for grocery stores and supermarkets. “As the economy recovers and household disposable income further expands, consumers will increase purchases of premium brands and private-label brands, increasing the average transaction sizes for grocery stores,” says Cohen. Also, competition from big-box retailers like Walmart is anticipated to intensify over the next five years as these stores increase their grocery product offerings and lure customers away from traditional grocery stores. Consequently, IBISWorld forecasts that industry growth will slightly increase during the five years to 2019.

The Supermarkets and Grocery Stores industry has a low level of concentration. The top players in the industry are The Kroger Co. and Safeway Inc. The remaining share of the market is mainly composed of small to medium-size players that cater to local demand. IBISWorld estimates that more than 35,000 companies will actively compete for the remaining market share in 2014.

For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Supermarkets and Grocery Stores Industry in the US industry report page.

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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

The Supermarkets and Grocery Stores industry makes up the largest food retail channel in the United States. Establishments in this industry retail general lines of food products, including fresh and prepared meats, poultry and seafood, canned and frozen foods, fresh fruits and vegetables and various dairy products. Delicatessens primarily retailing food are also included.

Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc.

Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.

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