Grocery Stores Watch Market Baskets Go Elsewhere
By George Anderson
The Food Institute has released a new sales report that says “Supermarket sales during December posted the largest decline since March of 1998, dropping 1.5%.”
Brian Todd, president, The Food Institute, said, “A good portion of this decline can be attributed to increased sales in other retail formats that are selling more and more food products. In most regions, discount chains and warehouse clubs recorded better results than supermarkets.”
Mr. Todd added, “When the inflation rate for food is considered, that decline is even more substantial.”
Moderator’s Comment: Which is a more significant threat
to the viability of supermarkets – retail competitors in other formats or price
deflation?
[George
Anderson – Moderator]