2026 Caring Grocery Stores Study

What Makes a Grocery Brand Feel Caring in 2026?

Shoppers Recognize Standout Grocery Store Brands

In an era of rising food costs and rapid retail automation, the relationship between grocery stores and their customers has reached a critical turning point. RivalMind's 2026 Caring Grocery Stores Study℠ —based on a nationally representative sample of more than 1,100 U.S. consumers—shows that what makes a brand feel "caring" is changing. Modern shoppers don't just want a smile at checkout, although that's still important. They want stores that respect their time, provide transparent value, and deliver consistent reliability.

KEY TAKEAWAYS — The 2026 study establishes a clear hierarchy of what matters most. Value (62%) and Convenience (56%) remain the foundational expectations, but Reliability (48%) and Transparency (32%) are what actually differentiate brands in consumers' minds. Notably, 5% of respondents feel that no grocery brand truly cares about its customers—which means there's significant opportunity for brands willing to close the connection gap.