Walmart, Publix, and More: 10 Changes That Could Be Heading to Your Favorite Grocery Store

As technology makes grocery shopping more convenient, popular chains are rushing to keep up with the times.

Some of these changes are for the better, including improved energy efficiency and convenience, while others aren’t as favorable.

Check out some of the improvements rolling out to your favorite neighborhood chain grocer and see if any of them could help you save money shopping.

Walmart has been making consistent efforts to renovate its stores inside and out. At the beginning of the year, the president and CEO John Furner stated the company plans to remodel 650 states in the following 12 months.

This is piggybacking off their 2023 remodeling program. One change they’re implementing is a Grab & Go section, where you can grab a quick snack, meal, or drink without having to wander too far into the store.

One of the more annoying parts of grocery shopping is navigating narrow, cramped aisles, especially when you need to shop around employees stocking shelves or helping other customers.

Another priority in Walmart’s renovation plans is to make the stores more spacious to address this issue.

They also state that this trickles over to their online delivery and pickup options since there’s more space for employees to work and fulfill these orders.

Despite its renovations, another one of Walmart’s new implementations is getting the store in some hot water. By 2026, Walmart will have implemented digital shelf labels in 2,300 stores.

Walmart says this will help shoppers, as the labels will more accurately reflect markdowns and make navigating the store easier through the mobile app. They also say it will help employees be more efficient and free them up to help customers.

However, many are concerned that this will allow Walmart to more egregiously price gouge and take advantage of their customers.

Grocery analyst Phil Lempert told NPR, “If it’s hot outside, we can raise the price of water and ice cream. If there's something that’s close to the expiration date, we can lower the price — that’s the good news.” This statement has garnered quite a bit of controversy.

Kroger is also planning some renovations and expansions this year. In May, the company announced plans to spend $45 million renovating 15 grocery stores, including two in Indiana and 13 in Ohio.

They’re also opening a new Kroger Marketplace in Warren County, Ohio. Kroger Marketplace stores are similar to regular supermarkets but with expanded living products, home goods, outdoor wares, and more.

Grocery shoppers in the Mid-Atlantic region can expect Weis Markets to become more expansive this and next year.

The company has begun building six new stores that will open next year and has planned 11 major store remodels.

In addition, Weis Markets is going to complete 15 minor store remodels and open five more fuel centers.

Many grocery stores offer more than one shopping experience, from fresh food available dine-in style to curated selections of artisanal goods. To meet this need, Publix has begun opening a handful of stores under a new prototype.

These stores have several unique offerings, including a burrito bar, an expansive deli with international options, a hot buffet, fresh-made baked goods, a wide array of wines, locally roasted coffee, and a sit-in area.

On the flip side, Whole Foods has started to roll out smaller format stores this year. The health food grocery chain wants to expand into urban neighborhoods through significantly smaller stores, starting in Manhattan.

This smaller store, called Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, will sell most of Whole Foods’ regular offerings. This location will also be home to the first Java & Juice in the city — Whole Foods’ coffee and tea bar.

Similarly, Trader Joe’s has launched its own small-format store, Trader Joe’s Pronto, right next to its Union Square store, though a spokesperson said the company doesn’t plan to continue these models.

The Pronto store offers quick grab-and-go options and replaced the former Trader Joe’s Wine Shop, which closed in 2022. This switch has caused some controversy, with the United Food and Commercial Workers union accusing Trader Joe’s of union busting.

Earlier this year, the organic grocery chain Sprouts Farmers Market announced that five California stores are partnering with Klatch Coffee, a local coffeehouse.

Shoppers can enjoy a variety of coffee and expresso-based beverages, including iced and drip coffees, shakes, and specialty seasonal foods.

Last month, the Connecticut and Massachusetts-based grocer Big Y World Class Market reopened a newly renovated store in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

The renovation included new decor, new flooring, a bigger grab-and-go section, energy-efficient refrigerators, and, notably, an expanded Hispanic food section. The store director said this was in response to customer demand.

New items include Latin American pantry staples, tropical produce, and ready-to-eat items. This also expanded into other departments, including the butcher shop, the fresh and frozen fish sections, and the bakery.

Whether you’re getting a coffee shop in your favorite organic grocery store or being price gouged by major corporations, the industry is ever-changing to meet customer needs or compete with other chains.

You can shop smarter and save money on groceries by researching your local grocery stores to ensure they have your best interest in mind.