Dive Brief:
- Price Rite Marketplace will unveil five rebranded stores in Connecticut this week featuring an updated assortment and a redesigned store layout, the company said in a press release emailed to Grocery Dive. The remodels follow a successful pilot of Price Rite’s new store concept at three stores in Pennsylvania.
- The refreshed stores will include an expanded private label assortment under the grocer’s Wholesome Pantry brand, new bakery departments, market style produce departments, updated meat selections, a "Drop Zone" with special deals and lower prices on hundreds of products throughout the store.
- Price Rite has also enhanced the in-store experience with LED lighting, revitalized store decor and self-service checkouts. Each remodeled location will host a grand re-opening celebration March 29.
Dive Insight:
Price Rite's reimagined concept has proven to be a win with shoppers in Pennsylvania, with the retailer saying it attracted new customers and saw an increase in store traffic during the pilot. Armed with positive feedback, the grocer is investing in efforts to expand the concept beyond its test run. According to a statement from Price Rite president Jim Dorey, this is the next step as the company begins to roll out these changes to all 65 stores.
Driven by e-commerce, new players and price competition, grocers across the U.S. continue to overhaul their stores to stay relevant with shoppers. Food Lion recently announced the latest phase of its remodeling project, with $158 million going to overhaul 92 stores in South Carolina this year. Kroger subsidiary Roundy's is also revamping its store banners in Wisconsin as Copps supermarkets become Pick 'n Save locations. As those stores transition, they’ll also get a refresh with upgraded produce departments, hot food bars, salad bars and an improved alcohol selection.
The industry has taken notice of Price Rite's recent efforts. Last month, the grocer's new format won a National Grocers Association 2019 Creative Choice Award for the remodeling category.
Price Rite's parent company Wakefern Foods reported a record-breaking $16.5 billion in sales for 2018. Joe Sheridan, Wakefern's chief operating officer, said in a press release that the company has plans to open and remodel more stores in 2019 and to expand and enhance e-commerce across its banners including ShopRite, Price Rite, The Fresh Grocer and Dearborn Market. He also noted that the company is making efforts to innovate, test new technologies and improve the customer experience both in-store and online.
