Even in the most economically viable markets in the country, it is clear that 2009 was a difficult year for food retailers, particularly traditional operators.
On the following pages, SN examines food-retailing market-share trends for 10 markets around the country that were ranked as having the best economic growth in 2009, based on an analysis by the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution, a nonprofit economic research organization. Brookings analyzed the markets based on several factors, including employment gains, changes in housing prices and changes in gross metropolitan product.
For each of the 10 markets selected, SN obtained the latest food-retailing market-share data from Tucson, Ariz.-based Metro Market Studies, which is preparing to publish the data in its 2010 Grocery Distribution Analysis and Guide.
The data reflect food-retailing market shares at the end of 2009, although some adjustments have been made based on changes that have taken place in early 2010, such as the acquisition of Penn Traffic by Tops Markets.
For each market, SN lists store count and market share by company, plus market share from the preceding year. More detail on each market and the companies' operations there are listed in the Metro Market Studies book.
Market Profiles:
• Augusta, Ga.
• Baton Rouge, La.
• Buffalo, N.Y.
• Kansas City, Mo.
• Little Rock, Ark.
• Madison, Wis.
• Oklahoma City
• Omaha, Neb.
• San Antonio
• Virginia Beach, Va.
