Publisher: Supermarket News
Published: August 20, 2026
Source: Read at Supermarket News (https://www.supermarketnews.com/meat/an-eclectic-meat-shopper-base-creates-a-merchandising-conundrum)
Category: Food Access
Analysts say meat retailers need to adjust assortments and promotions to changing customer preferences and purchasing habits. Bill Booth of The Save Mart Companies said its approximately 200 Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx stores in California and Western Nevada tailor meat offerings to local communities rather than applying one value approach to every shopper. Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics said millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, and Generation Z shoppers, born between 1997 and 2012, will bring different expectations around flavor, digital engagement, sustainability, and value. Roerink also said technologies including artificial intelligence could help retailers track shopper activity and make better assortment and promotion decisions.
Why this matters: Independent grocers can use local customer behavior, rather than broad demographic assumptions alone, to shape meat assortments and promotions. Flexible offerings can help stores serve shoppers seeking both affordability and premium quality.
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