"It's no secret that Americans take grocery store loyalty very seriously, and there are few things more exciting than seeing your local favorite is getting a remodel or expansion. If you feel the same as we do, we have some great news: 2026 is going to see major expansions done by some of the country's biggest chains. And we mean big. From 1992 to 2024, Americans spent about $895 billion at grocery stores, according to Statista."
"That said, there's an incredibly heartbreaking side to the U.S. grocery market, too. In mid-2025, it was estimated that around 18.8 million people didn't have easy access to food, according to the USDA Food Access Research Atlas. Areas like this are called food deserts, and it's an incredibly complex issue that involves everything from distance to grocery stores, produce availability, cost-of-living dynamics, and regional trends means that things are different across the country. That brings up our question: What grocery stores are expanding in 2026?"
"The good news is that there are a number of chains that have announced expansion plans, including some that are already the largest out there. Expansion doesn't always mean numbers, either. Let's talk about stores that are expanding tech, affordable store brand options, delivery services, and accessibility, as well as numbers. There is, however, one caveat: Information is accurate at the time of writing, but subject to change."
Major U.S. grocery chains will undertake significant expansions in 2026, including new store openings, technology upgrades, expanded private-label options, enhanced delivery services, and improved accessibility. Consumers spent about $895 billion at grocery stores between 1992 and 2024. Approximately 18.8 million people lacked easy access to food in mid-2025, creating persistent food deserts influenced by distance to stores, produce availability, cost-of-living, and regional trends. Several chains announced expansion plans, with some already among the largest national operators. Expansion patterns include targeting affluent areas for new Trader Joe's locations while broader efforts aim to address accessibility and service offerings.
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