The traditional supermarket can’t seem to catch a break - New Wave Coming

First, Walmart transformed its stores into supercenters with groceries. Then the recession happened, and discount outlets such as Aldi and Save-A-Lot began going gangbusters.

Now, there’s a new wave of upstarts shaking things up: smaller-format, fresh grocery concepts. And many of them have their sights set on St. Louis. At least four such companies plan to set up shop — if they haven’t already — in the region. Most of them highlight “fresh” and “market” in their names: Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, Lucky’s Market, the Fresh Market and Fields Foods. 

The newcomers’ locations are about half the size of a typical grocery and dedicate a greater proportion to fresh foods — produce, meats, prepared foods — and a relatively smaller portion to “center store” items such as
cereal and ketchup.

The newcomers’ locations are about half the size of a typical grocery and dedicate a greater proportion to fresh foods — produce, meats, prepared foods — and a relatively smaller portion to “center store” items such as cereal and ketchup.

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market is planning to open 10 to 12 stores in this region. They are trying to capitalize on the rising interest in healthier, non-processed foods and local and organic produce, positioning themselves as a more affordable alternative to Whole Foods Market.