The emergence of a new chain of supermarkets in the United States has shaken up the traditional structures of the sector and has carved out a place among the leaders. This is WinCo Foods, a more affordable option than the traditional chains Costco and Sam’s Club, both popular for their competitive prices on wholesale purchases, although they require an annual membership costing between 50 and 130 dollars.
Operating in ten states, including California, Texas, and Utah, WinCo offers lower prices by buying directly from manufacturers and cutting out intermediaries. Additionally, it reduces operating costs by not accepting credit cards, refraining from investing in advertising, and asking customers to bag their own purchases.
The business model of WinCo also includes extensive bulk product sections, with over 800 options that allow for greater savings. Unlike its competitors, this chain is mostly owned by its employees, ensuring stability and commitment to customers.
Inflation, WinCo's ally
The positioning of this chain is encouraged by the inflationary context, which continues to hit Americans' wallets hard. The average spending on groceries has reached 1,080 dollars per month, a 20% increase since 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increase, the highest since the 1970s, forces consumers to look for new ways to save without compromising the quality of food.
However, the cost of groceries varies by state. In Hawaii, Alaska, and California, weekly spending can exceed 330 dollars, while in places like Wisconsin or Nebraska it hovers around 200 dollars. Even in the most affordable states, inflation remains a problem, leading many to opt for wholesale supermarkets to reduce costs.
HEB, the best supermarket chain in the US
Despite WinCo's success, the Texan chain HEB was recognized as the best grocery store in the country, according to dunnhumby's Retailer Preference Index (RPI). This ranking, based on surveys of more than 11,000 consumers, highlighted HEB for its competitive prices, promotions, and loyalty programs.
The study emphasized that "saving money for customers " is the key factor for supermarket success in the US, accounting for 38% of their long-term performance.
The ranking also highlighted Market Basket, Costco, WinCo Foods, and Aldi, reaffirming the importance of accessible prices and loyalty strategies in an increasingly challenging market.
*This article has been translated automatically using artificial intelligence