Much of the retail conversation going into 2026 focused on discretionary spending pressure, digital substitution and higher-income consumers as the primary drivers of growth. However, grocery foot traffic tells a different story, Placer.ai says in a new white paper.
“Rather than being diluted by new formats or eroded by e-commerce, brick-and-mortar grocery engagement is expanding.” according to the white paper, 5 Grocery Growth Drivers in 2026. “Visits are rising even as grocery supply spreads across wholesale clubs, discount and dollar stores, and mass merchants.” Traditional grocers’ market share remains stable, says Placer.ai.
Key takeaways from the white paper include the following:
- Expanded grocery supply is increasing overall category engagement.
- Grocery visit growth is being driven by low- and middle-income households.
- Short, frequent trips are a major driver of brick-and-mortar traffic growth.
- Scale is accelerating consolidation among large grocery chains.
- Both large and small grocers have viable paths to growth.
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