Kroger and Publix hold the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in market share for grocery stores in the metro area. Shortly after leaving its home territory in Florida some 10 years ago, Publix came roaring into Atlanta and quickly moved to the No. 2 slot.

This year Kroger plans to open or renovate a total of eight stores. About half of them are on the outer edges of the metro area. Two closer-in stores will be renovated.

Kroger's new facilities will be smaller than the big 65,000-sf stores. Instead, they will range between 50,000 sf and 58,000 sf. Planned intown stores will be about 30,000 sf.

Generally, the construction cost per sf for the store building is $40. Publix plans another 12 stores in the metro area this year. One in the northeast quadrant has opened and others are planned both in urban areas within a few miles of Downtown and in suburban locations.

Publix intends to maintain its store average of 60,000 sf. Some of the stores it purchased from A&P will be smaller.

Consumers are benefiting from the competitive prices among all the chains, but some grocers have fallen by the wayside. A&P pulled out last year, Big Star was acquired several years ago, Winn-Dixie scaled back and some farmers markets have suffered.

The casualties have not stopped new entries into the war, however. Whole Foods entered the market with one store about two years ago and opened its second one last September, with another planned. Food Value is coming soon. The superstores of Wal-Mart and K-mart are keeping their grocery aisles chock full, and Sam's Club and Costco are all in the grocery arena.

Instant Insights /

Grocery Chains Continue to Battle It Out

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