One of the most lucrative business concepts in the grocery market is grocery shop franchising. Most grocery store brands have ventured into franchising to reach a wider market and keep up with the competition. If you’re an aspiring grocery store owner, acquiring a franchise is an almost sure way of achieving success. However, that largely depends on the franchisor you want to work with. Here are some of the most popular grocery store chains to consider.
1. Wegmans
With over 100 stores, Wegmans is one of the biggest private companies in the United States. It has successfully opened shops in suburban Boston, New York City, and North Carolina. Since its establishment in 1916, the store has continued to hit milestones and gain more customers. Most customers view Wegmans as a brand that offers value for money and quality goods throughout the different aisles, something you want to be associated with as an investor.
For people who are conscious about what they eat, Wegmans launched a Food You Feel Good About campaign. The campaign saw the store removing artificials like certain flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives from their ingredients list. These ingredients tend to jeopardize oral health. According to Phillips Schmitt, roughly 44% of Americans wish they cared for their oral health better. Wegmans has also managed to bag dozens of awards for being an ideal place to work and for creating an amazing shopping experience.
2. HEB
HEB grocery store initially started as a general store established by Mrs. Florence Butt on one of the floors of her family home. Due to the store’s affordable prices, a vast catalog of quality brand-owned products, and a seamless pickup program, the store grew to become one of the most popular stores in Texas and the nation. While many shoppers may think they’re shopping at the best grocery store in the nation, shoppers at HEB feel this is a matter of fact.
3. Publix
Publix was first established in 1930 as a single store and has since grown into the biggest employee-owned grocery store in the nation. If ever you visit Florida, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, or South and North Carolina, make a point to visit the store. You’ll enjoy affordable prices and quality goods.
According to Care Station, about 84.9% of adults have seen their primary care physician or other health professionals within the last year. Suppose they don’t have a prescription cover. In that case, Publix is one of the few stores with a free prescription drug program they may consider depending on the prescribed drugs.
4. Costco
Founded in 1983 by Jim Sinegal, Costco is a good example of a wholesale grocery store popularly known for its membership dues, quality products, and significantly lower prices than other wholesale grocery stores. In the past, the store didn’t make much sense for most people; who needs a four-pack of toothpaste? However, during the pandemic, people flocked to the store to stock up on groceries as they faced an unpredictable future.
5. Walmart
You may not have physically visited the store, but you must have heard of it. Walmart is the most popular grocery store in the United States. It has stores in 19 countries and e-commerce platforms that help the store tap into the online market. Its website also had a best sellers category to keep up with the latest trends and make it easy for consumers to find what they want.
The evolution of the American food culture has changed grocery stores for the better. Depending on your buying power and preferences, you have various options if you’d like to venture into grocery shop franchising. However, there’s one thing you should know.
According to Cameron Graf, you must seek the franchisor’s permission and approval to sell the franchise. The franchisor also typically controls the terms of sale. Weigh your options carefully before trying to franchise a grocery store or other business.
