LONDON — Local supermarket operators are more likely to see growth in 2010 than the "big three" traditional supermarket chains, according to a new report provided exclusively to SN by Planet Retail, based here.
Planet Retail's first ever "Top 10 Retailers to Watch in North America"includes seven regional players. The three national operators are all hard discounters.
"Further consolidation is definitely on the horizon, as struggling retailers look to divest unprofitable assets and regional players aim to strengthen their positioning," said Natalie Berg, research director, Planet Retail. "Given that cost control remains a priority for all grocers big and small, acquisitions this year are likely to be of a small scale, enabling retailers to penetrate fill-in markets."
The companies to watch are: Ahold USA, Quincy, Mass; Price Chopper, Schenectady, N.Y.; Delhaize, Salisbury, N.C.; WinCo, Boise, Idaho; Dollar General, Goodlettsville, Tenn.; Aldi, Batavia, Ill.; Save-A-Lot, St. Louis; Tops Markets, Williamsville, N.Y.; H.E. Butt Grocery Co., San Antonio; and The Market by Safeway, Pleasanton, Calif.
The report also noted that discounters are poised to open 1,250 new stores in 2010, up more than 50% from 800 in 2009. In addition, 2010 will be "another year of experimentation" with the small-box format, "although a nationwide rollout by a U.S. retailer will take years rather than months."
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