Moving forward into 2020, several unusual trends are set to take the stage in the world of grocery stores. Wider arrays of cannabis products on sale, new sections containing plant-based foods, larger produce departments, and the complete elimination of plastic bags are among the upcoming changes. This insight comes from supermarket analyst and GroceryStories.com purveyor John Karolefski.
The fairly recent plastic bag bans in Oregon plus the elimination of plastic bags in chains like Stop & Shop and Giant Eagle are propelling this trend. A greater reliance on reusable bags and chains charging for paper ones is now highly likely for the future.
While Oregon initiated a change in shopping via legislation, other changes are the result of the industry responding to changes being undertaken by consumers. Health-minded shoppers wish to eat more fresh food, while the availability of nontraditional protein sources in plant-based sections of stores is being validated through the attraction of more customers.
Karolefski further detailed the growing presence of cannabis products entering the mainstream market. CBD oils and lotions report positive health effects, like reducing itching and relieving inflammation. Progressive grocery chains may soon sell CBD edibles as well. Augmented reality is taking its place in supermarkets via Giant Food Stores using it for children’s scavenger hunts while their parents shop.
Using over 25 years of experience in analyzing the grocery business, Karolefski’s latest book on the topic of groceries, Zen and the Art of Grocery Shopping, hit store shelves in November, 2019. His insights also appeared on both television news networks (CNN) and radio stations like ABC, BBC, and CBS, as well as on his website.
