Grocery stores remain essential

While 2020 may have changed some consumer shopping habits — and the year accelerated the evolution to online shopping, even for groceries — there is a large segment of the population that continues to want to venture out and have in-store experiences, according to Inland Real Estate Investment Corp., in its most recent blog.

According to a consumer behavior report by research firm Raydiant, 46 percent of its respondents prefer in-store shopping over online. Retailers may use the in-store experience as a competitive advantage, by providing good customer service and connecting emotionally with shoppers, while significant product research and price comparison may happen online. Consumers are likely to return to a store if they had a positive experience.

The preference to either shop inside the grocery store or pick up curbside indicate