Battling to Win in an Hourglass Economy

The marketplace for traditional grocers is under attack, and this battle is only likely to intensify in coming years. Safeway and Supervalu – two chains that heavily target the middle class – are struggling to grow as they continue to get hammered by increased competition for customers who are flocking to specialty and discount grocers. Fierce competition is only in part to blame; what is really setting in is a more permanent shift in consumer spending. The new normal looks more like an hourglass, with expanding markets for affluent and value-seeking consumers and a shrinking middle class with a shrinking budget for food. With wallets tightening and competitive pressures intensifying, how can you gain a stronger foothold with growing consumer markets at either end of the hourglass?  Progressive Grocer – Read more…​