The grocery market in the United States is one of the largest globally, and as the current year progresses, retailers will be closely monitoring consumer sentiment, given recent indications that many aren't seeing the benefits of a broader economic turnaround.
April 2024 saw a modest month-on-month increase in retail sales (excluding automobiles and gasoline) in the US, rising 0.26%, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, however on a year-on-year basis, sales fell by 0.6%.
In grocery, meanwhile, the decline was 1.11% on a month-on-month basis and 4.46% on an annual basis, reflecting the challenges many shoppers face in affording daily essentials.
“Consumer spending continues to drive economic growth and retail sales increases, though we see some moderation in spending as consumers continually search for value,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay commented in May. “Overall inflation remains stubborn because of elevated prices for services, while inflation for goods has dropped to nearly zero. Consumers remain focused on value and price and are shifting their spending patterns where needed to make ends meet.”
At the same time, however, e-commerce sales are continuing to show positive momentum (albeit not at the rate reported during the pandemic), with online grocery sales set to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% between now and 2028, with in-person shopping growing by 1.3%, according to a recent report by Mercatus.
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Total e-grocery sales are expected to reach almost $120 billion annually by the end of 2028 and account for 12.7% of total grocery sales in the United States, a 170-basis-point increase on 2023, the study found.
Here's an overview of the top ten supermarket retail chains in the United States, according to their most recently-available full-year turnover.
1. Walmart
Turnover: $421.8 billion (2023)*
Walmartis the largest supermarket chain in the United States, and indeed the world, with a global turnover of $611.3 billion (€556.45 billion) in the year to end 31 January 2023, of which 69% was generated in its Walmart US business*, resulting in a total US turnover of $421.8 billion (€388.4 billion).
The group operates more than 10,500 stores globally, boasting 2.1 million personnel, while in the US its banners include Walmart, Walmart Supercenter, and Sam's Club. Every week, around 240 million customers visit its stores and e-commerce sites across 20 countries.
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In the first quarter of its current financial year, Walmart reported a 3.9% increase in total US comparable sales, with the business expecting full-year sales to come in at the higher end of its 2024 forecasts.
2. Costco
Turnover: $173.5 billion (estimated –2023)
Costco is a membership-based warehouse club with around 861 stores worldwide, including 591 in the United States and Puerto Rico. The group reported global revenue of $237.7 billion (€218.89 billion) last year, up from $222.7 billion the previous year.
In its annual report, Costco stated that 27% of its net sales came from international operations (including Canada), with the remaining $173.5 billion generated in the US.
Costco's most recent quarterly sales fell short of estimates, it said in March, however e-commerce sales surged by 18.4%. Elsewhere, the group recently appointed a new chief financial officer and executive vice president, Gary Millerchip.
3. Kroger
Turnover: $150.04 billion (2023)
Kroger reported sales of $150.04 billion (€138.19 billion) in 2023, an increase on the $148.26 billion it reported the previous year, while operating profit came in at $3.1 billion.
The group boasts more than 2,800 stores in 35 US states, trading under two dozen banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, and Fred Meyer, from which it serves 11 million customers every day. It is also one of the largest employers in the United States, with over 500,000 employees.
Kroger is in the process of completing its high-profile merger with Albertsons, initiated in 2022, and has recently been engaged in a complex divestiture process in order to gain regulatory approval. Commenting on the Albertsons merger, Rodney McMullen, CEO, said that he was confident it would "bring lower prices and more choices to more customers and secure the long-term future of unionised grocery jobs".
4. Target
Turnover: $107.4 billion (2023)
Targetreported a 1.6% decline in full-year revenue in its 2023 financial year, to $107.4 billion (€98.94 billion), with a 1.7% decline in sales partially offset by a 5.1% increase in other revenue, the group said in March. Full-year operating income was up 48.3% year-on-year, however.
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The Minneapolis-based business operates close to 2,000 stores across the US, as well as an online platform, Target.com. According to the company, 75% of the US population lives within 10 miles of a Target store.
In May 2024, the group announced that it is lowering the price of around 5,000 everyday essentials in its assortment, as it seeks to appeal to hard-pressed shoppers. "We know consumers are feeling pressured to make the most of their budget," Rick Gomez, the retailer's chief food, essentials and beauty officer, said.
5. Albertsons
Turnover: $79.24 billion (2023)
Based in Boise, Idaho, Albertsons Companies, Inc. reported a turnover of $79.24 billion (€73 billion) in 2023, with same-store sales rising by 3.0% and digital sales growing by 22%.
Commenting on the full year performance of the group, which operates some 2,269 stores across the United States under various banners such as Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb and others, Vivek Sankaran, CEO, said in April that the group was seeking to invest more in omnichannel solutions, increasing its investments in "technology, digital and in-store customer experience and supply chain operations".
Albertsons is currently engaged in merger talks with Kroger, which is necessitating several store divestituresin order to earn FTC approval.
6. Ahold Delhaize
Turnover: $59.16 billion (2023)
Headquartered in the Netherlands, Ahold Delhaize is the parent company of several retail chains in the United States, including Food Lion, Giant Food, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop, which collectively operate around 2,048 outlets. More than half (1,108) of these outlets operate under the Food Lion brand in Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Ahold Delhaize reported sales of €88.6 billion in 2023, of which the United States accounted for €54.5 billion ($59.16 billion), a 1.2% decline on the previous year. Operating income in the US was 19.1% lower, it noted.
The group recently set out plans to achieve €1 billion in cost savings in its current financial year, a goal that is 'on track' according to the grocer.
7. Publix
Turnover: $57.1 billion (2023)
Florida-based Publix reported $57.1 billion (€52.6 billion) in sales in its 2023 financial year, a 4.7% increase on the previous year ($54.5 billion). Comparable store sales were up 4.2%, while net earnings rose by 49% to $4.3 billion.
The group, which was founded in 1930, today operates more than 1,200 stores across the southeastern United States, specifically Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, and employs over 255,000 personnel.
8. 7-Eleven
Turnover: $54.55 billion (estimated)*
Owned by Japanese group Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd, convenience store giant 7-Eleven reported a turnover of 8,517 billion yen ($54.55) billion from its *overseas operations in 2023, which includes both Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven, Inc, as well as operations in China and 7-Eleven International, which manages franchising in 16 countries and regions.
In the US and Canada, 7-Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 13,000 convenience stores.
9. H-E-B
Turnover: $43 billion (2023)
H-E-B is aTexas-based supermarket chain operating 435 stores in Texas and Mexico. Based in San Antonio, the company employs about 160,000 people. Founded in 1905, H-E-B is known for its fresh food, convenience, and commitment to customer experience and low prices.
It reported a turnover of $43 billion (€39.61 billion) in its most recent financial year.
10. Aldi
Turnover: $27 billion (estimated)
Discounter Aldihas been present in the United States since 1976 and reportedly boasts an estimated turnover of $27 billion (€24.87 billion). It holds approximately 2.1% of the total market share.
In March, the group announced plans to add some 800 stores nationwide by the end of 2028, through a combination of new store openings and conversions. This will form part of a $9 billion investment in its operations over the next five years, and follows on from its recent acquisition of the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners.
