Whether in store or online, shoppers like to have options with where they purchase their everyday groceries and supplies. And, shopping and hopping from store to store go hand-in-hand for today’s consumers, according to new research and insights from Acosta, Jacksonville, Fla.

In fact, the study, "Trip Drivers: Top Influencers Driving Shopper Traffic," shows that 76% of weekly shoppers visit more than one retailer each week for groceries, and 67% of those shoppers visit approximately 2-3 retailers a week.

“Shoppers appreciate having options, which is why we are seeing a rise in hopping from store to store for weekly grocery trips,” says Colin Stewart, senior vice president. “People are motivated by not only good deals and fresh products, but also by brand loyalty, which can impact their decisions to either keep returning to a particular store, or hopping to another.”

The report provides an overview of this growing grocery trend, including key motivators such as price, quality, availability and convenience. 

Price takes center stage

Price is an important factor as to why shoppers are traveling to different retailers within a given day or week to buy a product that is sold at multiple locations. 

• 60% of shoppers reported shopping at more than one retailer because “some products are priced lower at certain retailers.”
• Only 45% of Millennials cite price as a key driver of retail hopping – this generation is more prone than the average shopper to vary their shopping based on where they are and specific brands.
• More shoppers are choosing at which store to shop based on how much they like the store brand (53% of shoppers vs. only 34% in 2011).

Fresh foods driving store trips  

Fresh foods continue to be a key driver for why many shoppers hop in the car and drive to the store regularly, so they can purchase ingredients for that night’s dinner in-store.  

• 37% of shoppers make multiple trips weekly to ensure their food is fresh.  
• From old to young, each generational group surveyed agreed they make multiple trips or have multiple deliveries to receive the freshest food, including 65% of Millennials, 47% of GenXers, 25% of Boomers and 22% of Silents.
• Fruit and deli-prepared foods drive 31% and 29% of dollar growth, respectively.
• 37% of shoppers report they don’t have time to figure out what to have for dinner, saying it’s typically a last-minute decision. 

Brand loyalty helps consumers connect 

Brands can help establish a loyal shopper following by delivering innovative products that align with consumer demand, and by consistently delivering quality, valued products to develop a level of trust.   

• 41% of shoppers reported shopping at more than one retailer because “some retailers carry better quality products in certain categories.”
• 33% of shoppers go to more than one retailer due to not finding all the products/brands they want at one store. 
• Brand preference drives traffic across all income brackets, including among 37% of shoppers with household incomes above $199,000 and 28% of shoppers with household incomes below $20,000. 
• 43% of shoppers surveyed agree that brands simplify the selection process when shopping at multiple grocery stores. 

“Personalization is a key strategy in connecting with shoppers and creating not only brand loyalty, but also store loyalty,” Stewart says. “No retailer can be everything to everyone, but by knowing what motivates your shoppers, whether it be price, fresh foods or brands, make a commitment to the satisfaction of your shoppers to keep your location in their shopping mix.”