The Most Popular Grocery Store in Your State

Publix ranks as the most popular grocery store in three states, including Alabama. Publix has over 1,200 retail locations across seven southern states, 78 of which in Alabama. Publix bills itself as the largest employee-owned company in America. The first Publix store was founded in 1930 by George Jenkins.

Fred Meyer is a grocery chain that was started in Portland, Oregon, nearly 100 years ago by Freg G. Meyer. Though the brand is owned by supermarket giant Kroger today, there are still over 130 stores bearing the Fred Meyer name in the Pacific Northwest. The store’s founder was an early pioneer of the one-stop shop concept, and today Fred Meyers stores still offer shoppers apparel, housewares, food, pharmacy, and home electronics departments.

Sprouts ranks as the top supermarket in Arizona. The Phoenix-based chain markets itself to the health conscious consumer, and offers fresh produce and a range of organic and gluten-free products. The chain’s popularity with customers is evidenced by its rapid growth. Since the first location opened in 2002, Sprouts expanded and now has 356 locations across 23 states. The store has also reported revenue growth in each of the last four years.

Arkansas is one of seven states in which Sam’s Club is the most popular grocery store. The store, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, was founded by WalMart’s Sam Walton in 1983.

Sam’s Club requires shoppers to sign up for a membership — the Club option goes for $45 per year, while the Plus membership costs $100 per year and offers additional perks. Sam’s Club has 11 Arkansas locations.

California-based Trader Joe’s has locations in more than 40 states. The first Trader Joe’s store opened in Pasadena in 1967. The chain now has dozens of locations across the state. The store focuses on private label products or groceries that are made especially for Trader Joe’s stores. This, according to the company, eliminates “slotting fees, marketing fees, middlemen fees,” resulting in savings for customers.