Digital Grocery Sales Projected to Surpass Apparel in U.S. Ecommerce by 2026

What's Happening?

Digital grocery sales are expected to become the largest ecommerce category in the U.S. by 2026, surpassing apparel and accessories. According to Emarketer, grocery ecommerce is transforming the shopper journey, with digital sales projected to account for 19% of all U.S. ecommerce sales. This shift is driven by consumer loyalty, as McKinsey research indicates that 75% of consumers have maintained the same primary grocery retailer over the past decade. Non-food items, such as pet food and personal care products, represent a significant portion of grocery sales, offering growth opportunities for non-endemic advertising. Grocery chains are diversifying their offerings, partnering with companies like Rokt to provide deals on services such as Hulu and Uber.

Why It's Important?

The growth of digital grocery sales signifies a major shift in consumer behavior and retail strategies. As grocery ecommerce becomes a dominant category, brands have the opportunity to tap into a loyal customer base and integrate themselves into regular shopping routines. This trend presents a lucrative opportunity for non-food brands to leverage grocery ecommerce strategies and expand their market reach. The rise of omnichannel marketing allows emerging brands to compete with established players, leveling the playing field and increasing their share of voice and conversion rates. The shift towards digital grocery sales also impacts traditional retail models, prompting businesses to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

What's Next?

As digital grocery sales continue to grow, brands are expected to adopt integrative paid media strategies to engage consumers across multiple touchpoints. The trend towards click-and-collect shopping is likely to increase, with more consumers preferring curbside pickup over home delivery. Retailers are expected to enhance their digital advertising offerings, providing targeted in-store and in-app ads to capture consumer interest during pre-shopping phases. Partnerships with retailers, rather than third-party delivery apps, are anticipated to become more prevalent, as consumers increasingly place digital orders directly through retailers.

Beyond the Headlines

The rise of digital grocery sales may lead to broader implications for the retail industry, including shifts in supply chain management and consumer data analytics. As brands invest in omnichannel marketing, there may be increased scrutiny on data privacy and ethical advertising practices. The growing importance of digital grocery sales could also influence cultural trends, as consumers prioritize convenience and efficiency in their shopping experiences.