It may be the 42nd largest state, but Maryland has consistently ranked among the nation’s top in terms of per capita income over the past few years. Its economy benefits greatly from its proximity to Washington, D.C., where many of its residents work.
This higher-than-average income level continues to positively impact spending in the state. Maryland residents tend to spend more on groceries, including premium products, organic foods and prepared meals, than consumers elsewhere.
These factors have converged to create a competitive grocery market, with a mix of traditional supermarkets, discount retailers and specialty stores.
Grocers such as Giant Food, Food Lion and Wegmans have traditionally commanded large shares of this Mid-Atlantic market, each carving out a niche by offering prepared foods, focus on fresh, emphasis on local or a heavy concentration of own brand options.
Despite the presence of such established rivals, other retailers are opening stores in the Old Line State.
Here’s a look at a few recent openings:
Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh chose the Baltimore suburb of Glen Burnie to open its newest location in November. In addition to a wide assortment of national brands, the 42,000-square-foot store features its private-label brands, including, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Saver and Aplenty and 365 by Whole Foods Market.
Amazon Fresh offers Prime members half-off specials on eight to 15 different grocery items per week, including more than 35 regional brands like Tessemae’s condiments, Smithfield and True Made Foods.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Westminster is the newest location for Sprouts Farmers Market in Maryland, part of the specialty retailer’s plans to open more than 30 stores this year.
With a focus on wellness, Sprouts features a curated assortment of better-for-you products, including the latest in wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based and gluten-free.
As part of its diversion program, Sprouts will donate groceries that are no longer fit for sale but are edible to the Maryland Food Bank. Store manager James Helmen noted that the goal is to keep as many products as possible from ending up in the landfill.
[RELATED: Small But Mighty Maryland Making Name For Itself In Supermarket Industry]
The Fresh Market
The Fresh Market’s new location in Gambrills is its fifth store in Maryland, with the other locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, Rockville and Towson.
The 27,000-square-foot store in the Crofton Station shopping center offers a broad range of quality, often organic and locally sourced items, as well as gourmet foods, including artisanal cheeses, fine wines and exotic spices.
Competition is close by. Giant Food relocated across the street a year ago and renovated a 56,000-square-foot space that previously housed Shoppers.
Known for its selection of prepared foods that are ready to eat or easy to cook, the Gambrills Fresh Market location offers an in-house smoked barbecue brisket, ribs and salmon. The store features made-to-order smoothies and the company’s Signature Hot and Fresh Pizza. It also has several hot breakfast options, including its signature Farmhouse Egg Bake.
The Fresh Market’s lunch menu includes options ranging from premade salads and soups to paninis and hand-crafted sandwiches featuring The Fresh Market’s smoked meats.
One of its more popular dinner options is its Family Style Chicken Dinner To Go featuring a whole roasted-in-store chicken, plus two sides and six corn muffins.
Calling the Crofton store “a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy,” Jason Potter, CEO of The Fresh Market, said giving guests a place where they feel valued, and welcome is an important part of the company’s mission. “With each store opening, our goal is to provide the community access to quality fresh foods and a shopping experience that is convenient and enjoyable.”
Wegmans
Wegmans has expanded its partnership with DoorDash in Maryland. As of the fall, home delivery is available at all Wegmans locations throughout the state.
“DoorDash has been a great partner for our Meals 2GO program, and expanding our offering to include grocery delivery allows us to meet our customers where they are,” said Erica Tickle, VP of marketing and digital growth for Wegmans.
“Our goal is to make meals easy and help our customers live healthier, better lives through exceptional food. Expanding our delivery network is just one way we’re able to continue delivering on that mission.”
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