• Business Plan for Investors
  • Bank/SBA Business Plan
  • Operational/Strategic Planning Services
  • L1 Visa Business Plan
  • E1 Treaty Trader Visa Business Plan
  • E2 Treaty Investor Visa Business Plan
  • EB-1 Business Plan
  • EB-2 NIW Business Plan
  • EB-5 Business Plan
  • Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan
  • Start-Up Visa Business Plan
  • Expansion Worker Visa Business Plan
  • Manitoba MPNP Visa Business Plan
  • Nova Scotia NSNP Visa Business Plan
  • British Columbia BC PNP Visa Business Plan
  • Self-Employed Visa Business Plan
  • OINP Entrepreneur Stream Business Plan
  • LMIA Owner Operator Business Plan
  • ICT Work Permit Business Plan
  • LMIA Mobility Program – C11 Entrepreneur Business Plan
  • USMCA (ex-NAFTA) Business Plan
  • Franchise Business Plan
  • Landlord business plan
  • Nonprofit Start-Up Business Plan
  • USDA Business Plan
  • Cannabis business plan
  • Ecommerce business plan
  • Online boutique business plan
  • Mobile application business plan
  • Daycare business plan
  • Restaurant business plan
  • Food delivery business plan
  • Real estate business plan
  • Business Continuity Plan
  • Buy Side Due Diligence Services
  • ICO whitepaper
  • ICO consulting services
  • Confidential Information Memorandum
  • Private Placement Memorandum
  • Feasibility study
  • Fractional CFO
  • How it works
  • Business Plan Examples

Grocery Store Business Plan

MAR.18, 2023

Grocery Store Business Plan

1. Business Plan For Opening A Grocery Store

Opening a grocery store can help meet the needs of a local community by providing a convenient source of fresh food and other staples. This can help improve the health and well-being of the community by providing access to affordable nutritious food.

With the right business plan, a grocery store can also provide employment opportunities to local residents, allowing them to gain valuable skills and experience while helping to build the local economy.

The Butcher Shop Business Plan can also serve as a community hub, providing a safe and welcoming place for people to gather and interact. A grocery store can become a valuable asset for the local community by providing these services and conveniences.

2. Executive Summary for Business Plan for Grocery Store

The business.

ABC Grocery Store will be a full-service grocery store offering various products, including organic and locally-sourced products. The store will be in a busy commercial area, featuring a modern, clean, and inviting atmosphere. In the Gourmet Food Store Business Plan , the store will have a self-checkout system and will offer online ordering and delivery services. The store will also offer various locally-sourced products, including fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, bread, and other items.

ABC Grocery Store will exceed customer expectations for quality and convenience and provide a unique shopping experience that is focused on customer service, quality, and value.

Business Target

ABC Grocery Store will target the local residents of the area, as well as customers from the surrounding areas. The store will focus on providing high-quality products, excellent customer service, and competitive prices. In the Donut Shop Business Plan , the store will also focus on providing a unique and enjoyable shopping experience and will strive to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. The store will be open seven days a week, from 8 am to 9 pm, and will offer a wide range of products that will cater to the needs of all types of customers.

Grocery Store Business Plan - Business Target

3. Company Summary

ABC Grocery Store is a new grocery store in the heart of downtown San Francisco. In the small grocery store business plan, we will offer a wide selection of fresh produce, dairy products, meat, canned goods, frozen foods, and a full selection of grocery items.

Company Owner

ABC Grocery Store is owned by Sany, a long-time resident of the area. Sany has extensive grocery business experience and a passion for providing quality products to his customers. Sany is firmly committed to the local community and is dedicated to making ABC Grocery Store a success.

Why The Grocery Store Business Is Being Started

The grocery store business is being started because there is a need for a grocery store in the downtown San Francisco area. The current mobile grocery stores in the area are not meeting the needs of the local population. We plan to fill this void by offering high-quality products at competitive prices.

How The Grocery Store Business Will Be Started

ABC Grocery Store will begin by securing a location in the local community. We will then purchase the necessary equipment and supplies to stock the store. We will also hire staff to help manage the store and to provide customer service.

We will market our business through local advertising and social media in the grocery store business plan sample. Finally, we will create a website that will provide customers with a convenient way to shop from the comfort of their own homes.

The experts estimate the grocery store business plan’s assets, investments, and costs.

Grocery Store Business Plan - Startup Cost

In order to start a Coffee Shop Business Plan , you must meet the following criteria: total startup expenses, total assets, total startup funding, total funding required, total assets, total liabilities, total planned investments, total capital, total liabilities, and total funding.

4. Products

This mini grocery store business plan outlines the launch and operation of ABC Grocery Store, a full-service retail grocery store in San Francisco area. ABC Grocery Store will provide customers with fresh, high-quality, organic, locally-sourced food products, household goods, and health and beauty products.

  • Meat/Seafood: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Fish, Shrimp
  • Dairy: Milk, Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Eggs
  • Frozen Foods: Ice Cream, Pizza, French Fries, Frozen Dinners, Vegetables
  • Bakery: Bread, Bagels, Cookies, Cakes, Donuts
  • Grocery: Cereal, Pasta, Rice, Canned Goods, Snacks
  • Household Items: Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Soap, Detergent, Cleaning Supplies
  • Health and Beauty: Toothpaste, Shampoo, Conditioner, Makeup, Vitamins
  • Beverages: Soda, Water, Juice, Coffee, Tea
  • Pet Food: Dog Food, Cat Food, Treats, Toys, Supplies
  • Organic/Natural Foods: Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Dairy, Grocery Items

excellent work

excellent work, competent advice. Alex is very friendly, great communication. 100% I recommend CGS capital. Thank you so much for your hard work!

5. Marketing Analysis

The grocery store industry is highly competitive and the success of a grocery store business depends upon its ability to understand the market, develop a competitive advantage and effectively differentiate from its competitors. To gain a competitive advantage, the grocery store must identify its target market, understand the needs of its target market, develop a unique selling proposition, and create a strong marketing strategy.

Market Trends

The growth of the grocery store industry is largely dependent on economic conditions and population growth. The industry is expected to continue to experience steady growth in the near future as more people are able to afford to purchase groceries. Other industry trends include

  • Growing demand for convenient grocery shopping options.
  • Expansion of e-commerce grocery services.
  • Growing demand for healthy and natural foods.
  • Increasing focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
  • Growing demand for locally sourced products.
  • Increasing emphasis on customer service and satisfaction.

Marketing Segmentation

The grocery store industry is comprised of a variety of different types of customers with varying needs and preferences. In the grocery store business plan template, to effectively target customers, the grocery store must determine which types of customers it will serve and create a marketing plan to reach them. The most common market segments that grocery stores target include:

  • Households: Grocery stores typically target households with various needs and preferences, including convenience, health consciousness, budget consciousness, and more.
  • Businesses: Grocery stores also target businesses, including restaurants, catering companies, and food service providers.
  • Specialty Markets: Grocery stores may also target specialty markets, such as health food stores, ethnic markets, and more.

The grocery store must identify its target market and create a business strategy to reach them. To do this, the grocery store must determine its target customer base, understand its needs and preferences, and develop a unique selling proposition that appeals to them. The grocery store must also develop a marketing strategy to reach its target market, including traditional and digital marketing tactics.

Product Pricing

The success of a grocery store business depends on its ability to set competitive and attractive prices for its target customers. To do this, the grocery store must understand its target customers’ needs and preferences and determine the optimal price point for its products. The grocery store must also understand the pricing strategies of its competitors and use this knowledge to set its own prices.

6. Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy for our grocery store will focus on building brand recognition and creating a positive customer experience. We will use a combination of traditional marketing tactics such as print media, radio, and television, as well as digital marketing tactics such as email campaigns, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO). We will also leverage our relationships with local businesses and organizations to build our customer base.

Our main goal is to create a positive customer experience and build brand loyalty. We will focus on providing quality products and services, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. We will also use our website and social media platforms to promote our store and engage with customers.

Competitive Analysis

Our grocery store will be competing with a number of other stores in the area. Our competitors include local supermarkets, convenience stores, and online grocery store services. We will differentiate ourselves from our competitors by offering quality products, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. We will also focus on building relationships with local businesses and organizations to gain their patronage.

Sales Strategy

Our sales strategy will emphasize customer satisfaction and quality service. We will train our staff to be knowledgeable of our products and services and to be attentive to customer needs. Our store is a zero-waste grocery store, and we will strive to deliver a positive shopping experience to our customers and to provide them with the best possible value.

Sales Monthly

Our goal is to generate $10,000 in monthly sales. To achieve this goal, we will need to attract at least 150 customers to our store each month. We will implement various promotional activities to reach our target audiences, such as discounts, loyalty programs, and special events.

Grocery Store Business Plan - Sales Monthly

Sales Yearly

Our goal is to generate $120,000 in yearly sales. To achieve this goal, we must attract a minimum of 1,800 customers to our store each year. We will continue to implement promotional activities to reach our target audience and focus on customer retention strategies to ensure that our customers continue to shop with us.

Grocery Store Business Plan - Sales Yearly

Sales Forecast

In the next five years, we anticipate an increase of 10% in sales per year. We will use traditional and digital marketing tactics to reach our target customers. We will also offer discounts and promotions to encourage customers to purchase from our store.

Grocery Store Business Plan - Sales Forecast

7. Personnel Plan

Company staff.

The personnel plan for the grocery store business will depend on the size of the store and the services offered. In how to find a location for the grocery store, Sany got help from brokers for the best location. The following positions are a general list of the positions necessary to run a successful grocery store business:

  • CEO and Founder
  • Store Manager
  • Assistant Store Manager
  • Shift Supervisors

Average Salary of Employees

The average salary of employees will depend on the services the store offers and the size of the store. Generally, cashiers and stockers usually earn an annual salary of between $20,000 and $30,000. Managers and assistant managers typically earn an annual salary of between $40,000 and $60,000. Salaries for deli workers, production workers, and other store personnel can vary depending on their experience and the services they provide.

8. Financial Business Plan for Grocery Store

The financial plan of this grocery store business plan is based on the start-up costs of $50,000. This includes the cost of rent, inventory, equipment, licenses, permits, and other miscellaneous costs. This start-up cost will be financed through a combination of personal funds, a bank loan, and an investor.

Important Assumptions

Grocery store business plan’s financial assumptions:

Changes in regulations or industries can have an impact on financial strategies.

Brake-even Analysis

The brake-even analysis for this grocery store business plan is based on the start-up costs of $50,000. This means that the store must generate $50,000 in sales to break even. This figure is based on the fixed costs of the store, such as rent, payroll, utilities, and other fixed costs.

Grocery Store Business Plan - Brake-even Analysis

Monthly break-even analysis

Projected Profit and Loss

The projected profit and loss statement estimate the expected revenue, expenses and profits over a certain period of time. This information can be used to make decisions about the store’s operations and investments.

Profit Monthly

Grocery Store Business Plan - Profit Monthly

Profit Yearly

Grocery Store Business Plan - Profit Yearly

Gross Margin Monthly

Grocery Store Business Plan - Gross Margin Monthly

Gross Margin Yearly

Grocery Store Business Plan - Gross Margin Yearly

Projected Cash Flow

The retail grocery store business plan also includes a cash flow statement, which will provide a snapshot of the store’s financial health at any given time. The following column diagram illustrates the projected cash flow statement and the sources and uses of cash associated with the grocery store business.

Projected Balance Sheet

The projected balance sheet will provide an overview of the store’s assets, liabilities, and equity. This statement will help to determine the store’s financial health and inform any potential investors. To create the statement, the store will need to calculate the value of its assets, such as inventory, equipment, and supplies. Additionally, the store will need to estimate the value of its liabilities, such as bank loans and debts.

Business Ratios

The business ratios are another essential part of a grocery store business plan. These ratios measure the performance of the business and provide valuable insight into the business’s overall health. As shown in the table below, the business ratios include profitability, liquidity, and efficiency measures.

  • What is the most profitable part of a grocery store? The most profitable part of a grocery store typically is the center aisles, which are often referred to as the “center store” or “dry grocery”. These aisles contain items like canned goods, snacks, breakfast items, and other non-perishable food items. These items typically have higher profit margins than items located in the perimeter of the store, such as produce and meats.
  • How hard is it to run a grocery store? Running a grocery store is a complex and challenging task. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication to ensure that the store is well-run and profitable. You must be familiar with retail operations and understand the needs of customers. You also need to be able to manage staff, keep up with inventory, and stay on top of financials. Additionally, you must be able to develop relationships with suppliers, create effective marketing strategies, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

Download Grocery Store Business Plan in PDF

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

business plan of grocery store

Add comment

E-mail is already registered on the site. Please use the Login form or enter another .

You entered an incorrect username or password

Comments (0)

mentioned in the press:

Search the site:

business plan of grocery store

OGScapital website is not supported for your current browser. Please use:

business plan of grocery store

How to write a business plan for a grocery store?

grocery store business plan

Creating a business plan for a grocery store is an essential process for any entrepreneur. It serves as a roadmap that outlines the necessary steps to be taken to start or grow the business, the resources required, and the anticipated financial outcomes. It should be crafted with method and confidence.

This guide is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary for creating a grocery store business plan, covering why it is so important both when starting up and running an established business, what should be included in your plan, how it should be structured, what tools should be used to save time and avoid errors, and other helpful tips.

We have a lot to cover, so let's get to it!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for a grocery store?

  • What information is needed to create a business plan for a grocery store?
  • What goes in the financial forecast for a grocery store?
  • What goes in the written part of a grocery store business plan?
  • What tool can I use to write my grocery store business plan?

Being clear on the scope and goals of the document will make it easier to understand its structure and content. So before diving into the actual content of the plan, let's have a quick look at the main reasons why you would want to write a grocery store business plan in the first place.

To have a clear roadmap to grow the business

Small businesses rarely experience a constant and predictable environment. Economic cycles go up and down, while the business landscape is mutating constantly with new regulations, technologies, competitors, and consumer behaviours emerging when we least expect it.

In this dynamic context, it's essential to have a clear roadmap for your grocery store. Otherwise, you are navigating in the dark which is dangerous given that - as a business owner - your capital is at risk.

That's why crafting a well-thought-out business plan is crucial to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your venture.

To create an effective business plan, you'll need to take a step-by-step approach. First, you'll have to assess your current position (if you're already in business), and then identify where you'd like your grocery store to be in the next three to five years.

Once you have a clear destination for your grocery store, you'll focus on three key areas:

  • Resources: you'll determine the human, equipment, and capital resources needed to reach your goals successfully.
  • Speed: you'll establish the optimal pace at which your business needs to grow if it is to meet its objectives within the desired timeframe.
  • Risks: you'll identify and address potential risks you might encounter along the way.

By going through this process regularly, you'll be able to make informed decisions about resource allocation, paving the way for the long-term success of your business.

To anticipate future cash flows

Regularly comparing your actual financial performance to the projections in the financial forecast of your grocery store's business plan gives you the ability to monitor your business's financial health and make necessary adjustments as needed.

This practice allows you to detect potential financial issues, such as unexpected cash shortfalls before they escalate into major problems. Giving you time to find additional financing or put in place corrective measures.

Additionally, it helps you identify growth opportunities, like excess cash flow that could be allocated to launch new products and services or expand into new markets.

Staying on track with these regular comparisons enables you to make well-informed decisions about the amount of financing your business might require, or the excess cash flow you can expect to generate from your main business activities.

To secure financing

A detailed business plan becomes a crucial tool when seeking financing from banks or investors for your grocery store.

Investing and lending to small businesses are very risky activities given how fragile they are. Therefore, financiers have to take extra precautions before putting their capital at risk.

At a minimum, financiers will want to ensure that you have a clear roadmap and a solid understanding of your future cash flows (like we just explained above). But they will also want to ensure that your business plan fits the risk/reward profile they seek.

This will off-course vary from bank to bank and investor to investor, but as a rule of thumb. Banks will want to see a conservative financial management style (low risk), and they will use the information in your business plan to assess your borrowing capacity — the level of debt they think your business can comfortably handle — and your ability to repay the loan. This evaluation will determine whether they'll provide credit to your grocery store and the terms of the agreement.

Whereas investors will carefully analyze your business plan to gauge the potential return on their investment. Their focus lies on evidence indicating your grocery store's potential for high growth, profitability, and consistent cash flow generation over time.

Now that you recognize the importance of creating a business plan for your grocery store, let's explore what information is required to create a compelling plan.

Need a convincing business plan?

The Business Plan Shop makes it easy to create a financial forecast to assess the potential profitability of your projects, and write a business plan that’ll wow investors.

The Business Plan Shop's Business Plan Software

Information needed to create a business plan for a grocery store

Drafting a grocery store business plan requires research so that you can project sales, investments and cost accurately in your financial forecast, and convince the reader that there is a viable commercial opportunity to be seized.

Below, we'll focus on three critical pieces of information you should gather before starting to write your plan.

Carrying out market research for a grocery store

As you consider writing your business plan for a grocery store, conducting market research becomes a vital step to ensure accurate and realistic financial projections.

Market research provides valuable insights into your target customer base, competitors, pricing strategies, and other key factors that can significantly impact the commercial success of your business.

Through this research, you may uncover trends that could influence your grocery store.

Your market research may reveal that customers may be more likely to purchase organic or eco-friendly products, or that they might be looking for more convenience-focused items such as pre-prepared meals or ready-to-go snacks.

Such market trends play a significant role in forecasting revenue, as they offer valuable data about potential customers' spending habits and preferences.

By incorporating these findings into your financial projections, you can present investors with more accurate information, helping them make informed decisions about investing in your grocery store.

Developing the marketing plan for a grocery store

Before delving into your grocery store business plan, it's imperative to budget for sales and marketing expenses.

To achieve this, a comprehensive sales and marketing plan is essential. This plan should provide an accurate projection of the necessary actions to acquire and retain customers.

Additionally, it will outline the required workforce to carry out these initiatives and the corresponding budget for promotions, advertising, and other marketing endeavours.

By budgeting accordingly, you can ensure that the right resources are allocated to these vital activities, aligning them with the sales and growth objectives outlined in your business plan.

The staffing and capital expenditure requirements of a grocery store

Whether you are starting or expanding a grocery store, it is important to have a clear plan for recruitment and capital expenditures (investment in equipment and real estate) in order to ensure the success of the business.

Both the recruitment and investment plans need to be coherent with the timing and level of growth planned in your forecast, and require appropriate funding.

A grocery store might incur staffing costs such as wages for grocery store employees, payroll taxes, and worker's compensation insurance. In addition, the grocery store might incur equipment costs such as refrigerators, freezers, shelves, and checkout counters.

In order to create a realistic financial forecast, you will also need to consider the other operating expenses associated with running the business on a day-to-day basis (insurance, bookkeeping, etc.). 

Once you have all the necessary information to create a business plan for your grocery store, it is time to start creating your financial forecast.

What goes into your grocery store's financial forecast?

The objective of the financial forecast of your grocery store's business plan is to show the growth, profitability, funding requirements, and cash generation potential of your business over the next 3 to 5 years.

The four key outputs of a financial forecast for a grocery store are:

  • The profit and loss (P&L) statement ,
  • The projected balance sheet ,
  • The cash flow forecast ,
  • And the sources and uses table .

Let's look at each of these in a bit more detail.

The projected P&L statement

Your grocery store forecasted P&L statement enables the reader of your business plan to get an idea of how much revenue and profits your business is expected to make in the near future.

forecasted profit and loss statement in a grocery store business plan

Ideally, your reader will want to see:

  • Growth above the inflation level
  • Expanding profit margins
  • Positive net profit throughout the plan

Expectations for an established grocery store will of course be different than for a startup. Existing businesses which have reached their cruising altitude might have slower growth and higher margins than ventures just being started.

The projected balance sheet of your grocery store

The balance sheet for a grocery store is a financial document that provides a snapshot of your business’s financial health at a given point in time.

It shows three main components: assets, liabilities and equity:

  • Assets: are resources owned by the business, such as cash, equipment, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
  • Liabilities: are debts owed to creditors and other entities, such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers) and loans.
  • Equity: includes the sums invested by the shareholders or business owners and the cumulative profits and losses of the business to date (called retained earnings). It is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

example of projected balance sheet in a grocery store business plan

Examining the balance sheet is important for lenders, investors, or other stakeholders who are interested in assessing your grocery store's liquidity and solvency:

  • Liquidity: assesses whether or not your business has sufficient cash and short-term assets to honour its liabilities due over the next 12 months. It is a short-term focus.
  • Solvency: assesses whether or not your business has the capacity to repay its debt over the medium-term.

Looking at the balance sheet can also provide insights into your grocery store's investment and financing policies.

In particular, stakeholders can compare the value of equity to the value of the outstanding financial debt to assess how the business is funded and what level of financial risk has been taken by the owners (financial debt is riskier because it has to be repaid, while equity doesn't need to be repaid).

The cash flow forecast

A projected cash flow statement for a grocery store is used to show how much cash the business is generating or consuming.

cash flow forecast in a grocery store business plan example

The cash flow forecast is usually organized by nature to show three key metrics:

  • The operating cash flow: do the core business activities generate or consume cash?
  • The investing cash flow: how much is the business investing in long-term assets (this is usually compared to the level of fixed assets on the balance sheet to assess whether the business is regularly maintaining and renewing its equipment)?
  • The financing cash flow: is the business raising new financing or repaying financiers (debt repayment, dividends)?

As we discussed earlier, cash is king and keeping an eye on future cash flows an imperative for running a successful business. Therefore, you can expect the reader of your grocery store business plan to pay close attention to your cash flow forecast.

Also, note that it is customary to provide both yearly and monthly cash flow forecasts in a business plan - so that the reader can analyze seasonal variation and ensure the grocery store is appropriately funded.

The initial financing plan

The initial financing plan - also called a sources and uses table - is an important tool when starting a grocery store.

It shows where the money needed to set up the business will come from (sources) and how it will be allocated (uses).

initial financing plan in a grocery store business plan

Having this table helps understand what costs are involved in setting up the grocery store, how the risks are distributed between the shareholders and the lenders, and what will be the starting cash position (which needs to be sufficient to sustain operations until the business breaks even).

Now that the financial forecast of a grocery store business plan is understood, let's focus on what goes into the written part of the plan.

Need inspiration for your business plan?

The Business Plan Shop has dozens of business plan templates that you can use to get a clear idea of what a complete business plan looks like.

The Business Plan Shop's Business Plan Templates

The written part of a grocery store business plan

The written part of a grocery store business plan is composed of 7 main sections:

  • The executive summary
  • The presentation of the company
  • The products and services
  • The market analysis
  • The strategy
  • The operations
  • The financial plan

Throughout these sections, you will seek to provide the reader with the details and context needed for them to form a view on whether or not your business plan is achievable and your forecast a realistic possibility.

Let's go through the content of each section in more detail!

1. The executive summary

The first section of your grocery store's business plan is the executive summary which provides, as its name suggests, an enticing summary of your plan which should hook the reader and make them want to know more about your business.

When writing the executive summary, it is important to provide an overview of the business, the market, the key financials, and what you are asking from the reader.

Start with a brief introduction of the business, its name, concept, location, how long it has been in operation, and what makes it unique. Mention any services or products you plan to offer and who you sell to.

Then you should follow with an overview of the addressable market for your grocery store, current trends, and potential growth opportunities.

You should then include a summary of your key financial figures such as projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

Finally, you should detail any funding requirements in the ask section.

2. The presentation of the company

As you build your grocery store business plan, the second section deserves attention as it delves into the structure and ownership, location, and management team of your company.

In the structure and ownership part, you'll provide valuable insights into the legal structure of the business, the identities of the owners, and their respective investments and ownership stakes. This level of transparency is vital, particularly if you're seeking financing, as it clarifies which legal entity will receive the funds and who holds the reins of the business.

Moving to the location part, you'll offer a comprehensive view of the company's premises and articulate why this specific location is strategic for the business, emphasizing factors like catchment area, accessibility, and nearby amenities.

When describing the location of your grocery store to a third party financier, you could emphasize that it is located in a densely populated area with a large customer base that may have a need for a convenient grocery store. You could also point out that it is close to other businesses, providing additional foot traffic and potential customers. Additionally, you may note that the area has ample parking, making it easier for customers to access the store. You might also highlight any public transportation options that are nearby, making it easier for customers to get to the store.

Lastly, you should introduce your esteemed management team. Provide a thorough explanation of each member's role, background, and extensive experience.

It's equally important to highlight any past successes the management team has achieved and underscore the duration they've been working together. This information will instil trust in potential lenders or investors, showcasing the strength and expertise of your leadership team and their ability to deliver the business plan.

3. The products and services section

The products and services section of your business plan should include a detailed description of what your company offers, who are the target customers, and what distribution channels are part of your go-to-market. 

For example, your grocery store might offer fresh produce, grocery delivery, and ready-made meals for customers who want convenience, quality, and variety. Fresh produce would let customers purchase all of their fruits and vegetables in one easy spot. Grocery delivery provides customers with an easy way to shop without having to leave their homes. Ready-made meals give customers the option to purchase pre-made meals that are quick and simple to prepare. These options would make it easier for customers to get the food they need without having to worry about long lines or waiting for their orders.

Grocery store business plan: products and services section

4. The market analysis

When outlining your market analysis in the grocery store business plan, it's essential to include comprehensive details about customers' demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and relevant regulations.

The primary aim of this section is to give the reader an understanding of the market size and appeal while demonstrating your expertise in the industry.

To begin, delve into the demographics and segmentation subsection, providing an overview of the addressable market for your grocery store, key marketplace trends, and introducing various customer segments and their preferences in terms of purchasing habits and budgets.

Next, shift your focus to the target market subsection, where you can zoom in on the specific customer segments your grocery store targets. Explain how your products and services are tailored to meet the unique needs of these customers.

For example, your target market might include busy professionals. They often don't have the time or energy to cook, so they shop for pre-made meals or ready-to-cook ingredients. They tend to be willing to pay a premium for convenience.

In the competition subsection, introduce your main competitors and explain what sets your grocery store apart from them.

Finally, round off your market analysis by providing an overview of the main regulations that apply to your grocery store.

5. The strategy section

When you write the strategy section of your grocery store business plan, remember to cover key elements such as your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales & marketing plan, milestones, and risks and mitigants.

In the competitive edge subsection, elaborate on what makes your company stand out from competitors. This becomes especially important if you're a startup, aiming to carve a place for yourself amidst established players in the marketplace.

The pricing strategy subsection should demonstrate how you plan to maintain profitability while offering competitive prices to attract customers.

Outline your sales & marketing plan, detailing how you'll reach out to new customers and retain existing ones through loyalty programs or special offers.

For the milestones subsection, outline your company's achievements to date and your main objectives for the future, complete with specific dates to set clear expectations for progress.

Lastly, the risks and mitigants subsection should address the main risks that could affect your plan's execution. Explain the measures you've put in place to minimize these risks, assuring potential investors or lenders.

Your grocery store faces numerous risks. One risk could be the possibility of theft. Your store could be targeted by shoplifters, who might steal items from your shelves. Another risk could be shipping delays. Your store may order large quantities of food and supplies, but they could be delayed due to weather, traffic, or other unexpected events. Both of these risks could cause financial losses for your store, as well as negatively impacting the customer experience.

6. The operations section

In your business plan, it's also essential to provide a detailed overview of the operations of your grocery store.

Start by covering your team, highlighting key roles and your recruitment plan to support the expected growth. Outline the qualifications and experience required for each role and your intended recruitment methods, whether through job boards, referrals, or headhunters.

Next, clearly state your grocery store's operating hours, allowing the reader to assess staffing levels adequately. Additionally, mention any plans for varying opening times during peak seasons and how you'll handle customer queries outside normal operating hours.

Then, shift your focus to the key assets and intellectual property (IP) necessary for your business. If you rely on licenses, trademarks, physical structures like equipment or property, or lease agreements, make sure to include them in this section.

You may have a range of key assets and intellectual property that your grocery store could have. For example, you might have a unique brand logo or mascot that your customers recognize and associate with your store. Additionally, your store could have exclusive recipes, such as for sauces or other products, which could give you an edge in the market.

Lastly, include a list of suppliers you plan to work with, detailing their services and main commercial terms, such as price, payment terms, and contract duration. Investors are interested in understanding why you've chosen specific suppliers, which may be due to higher-quality products or established relationships from previous ventures.

7. The presentation of the financial plan

The financial plan section is where we will include the financial forecast we talked about earlier in this guide.

Now that you have a clear idea of the content of a grocery store business plan, let's look at some of the tools you can use to create yours.

What tool should I use to write my grocery store's business plan?

In this section, we will be reviewing the two main options for writing a grocery store business plan efficiently:

  • Using specialized software,
  • Outsourcing the drafting to the business plan writer.

Using an online business plan software for your grocery store's business plan

Using online business planning software is the most efficient and modern way to create a grocery store business plan.

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

  • You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
  • You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
  • You can access a library of dozens of complete business plan samples and templates for inspiration
  • You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
  • You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast
  • You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
  • You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
  • You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

Need a solid financial forecast?

The Business Plan Shop does the maths for you. Simply enter your revenues, costs and investments. Click save and our online tool builds a three-way forecast for you instantly.

Screenshot from The Business Plan Shop's Financial Forecasting Software

Hiring a business plan writer to write your grocery store's business plan

Outsourcing your grocery store business plan to a business plan writer can also be a viable option.

Business plan writers are skilled in creating error-free business plans and accurate financial forecasts. Moreover, hiring a consultant can save you valuable time, allowing you to focus on day-to-day business operations.

However, it's essential to be aware that hiring business plan writers will be expensive, as you're not only paying for their time but also the software they use and their profit margin.

Based on experience, you should budget at least £1.5k ($2.0k) excluding tax for a comprehensive business plan, and more if you require changes after initial discussions with lenders or investors.

Also, exercise caution when seeking investment. Investors prefer their funds to be directed towards business growth rather than spent on consulting fees. Therefore, the amount you spend on business plan writing services and other consulting services should be insignificant compared to the amount raised.

Keep in mind that one drawback is that you usually don't own the business plan itself; you only receive the output, while the actual document is saved in the consultant's business planning software. This can make it challenging to update the document without retaining the consultant's services.

For these reasons, carefully consider outsourcing your grocery store business plan to a business plan writer, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of seeking outside assistance.

Why not create your grocery store's business plan using Word or Excel?

I must advise against using Microsoft Excel and Word (or their Google, Apple, or open-source equivalents) to write your grocery store business plan. Let me explain why.

Firstly, creating an accurate and error-free financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is highly technical and requires a strong grasp of accounting principles and financial modelling skills. It is, therefore, unlikely that anyone will fully trust your numbers unless you have both a degree in finance and accounting and significant financial modelling experience, like us at The Business Plan Shop.

Secondly, relying on spreadsheets is inefficient. While it may have been the only option in the past, technology has advanced significantly, and software can now perform these tasks much faster and with greater accuracy. With the rise of AI, software can even help us detect mistakes in forecasts and analyze the numbers for better decision-making.

And with the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Moreover, software makes it easier to compare actuals versus forecasts and maintain up-to-date forecasts to keep visibility on future cash flows, as we discussed earlier in this guide. This task is cumbersome when using spreadsheets.

Now, let's talk about the written part of your grocery store business plan. While it may be less error-prone, using software can bring tremendous gains in productivity. Word processors, for example, lack instructions and examples for each part of your business plan. They also won't automatically update your numbers when changes occur in your forecast, and they don't handle formatting for you.

Overall, while Word or Excel may seem viable for some entrepreneurs to create a business plan, it's by far becoming an antiquated way of doing things.

  • Using business plan software is a modern and cost-effective way of writing and maintaining business plans.
  • A business plan is not a one-shot exercise as maintaining it current is the only way to keep visibility on your future cash flows.
  • A business plan has 2 main parts: a financial forecast outlining the funding requirements of your grocery store and the expected growth, profits and cash flows for the next 3 to 5 years; and a written part which gives the reader the information needed to decide if they believe the forecast is achievable.

We hope that this in-depth guide met your expectations and that you now have a clear understanding of how to write your grocery store business plan. Do not hesitate to contact our friendly team if you have questions additional questions we haven't addressed here.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

  • How to write a business plan to secure a bank loan?
  • Key steps to write a business plan?
  • Top mistakes to avoid in your business plan

Do you know entrepreneurs interested in starting or growing a grocery store? Share this article with them!

Guillaume Le Brouster

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

Create a convincing business plan

Assess the profitability of your business idea and create a persuasive business plan to pitch to investors

The Business Plan Shop | Business Plan Software

500,000+ entrepreneurs have already tried our solution - why not join them?

Not ready to try our on-line tool ? Learn more about our solution here

Need some inspiration for your business plan?

Subscribe to The Business Plan Shop and gain access to our business plan template library.

business plan template library

Need a professional business plan? Discover our solution

Write your business plan with ease!

Business Plan Software

It's easy to create a professional business plan with The Business Plan Shop

Want to find out more before you try? Learn more about our solution here

Grocery Store Business Plan Sample

This grocery store business plan will review how to start a grocery store business. Opening a grocery store can be fun and fulfilling if you have properly identified the appropriate grocery store business model to implement. Whether you plan to open a small grocery store, a mini supermarket, or a full-scale supermarket, a solid grocery business plan is essential to ensure your success. In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the key components of a grocery store business plan and guide you through the process of creating one.

If you’re considering starting a grocery store business, having a well-thought-out grocery store business plan is crucial to its success. A business plan serves as a roadmap for your business, outlining your objectives, strategies, financial projections, and potential obstacles. Here are some essential steps to consider when creating your grocery store business plan:

Before opening a grocery store, you need to decide on your business model. Will you be starting or opening a small grocery store, a supermarket, or a general store? Each model has different considerations, such as the size of the store, the types of products sold, and the target market.

Knowing your target audience is crucial in creating a successful grocery store business plan. Consider factors such as age, income level, and shopping habits when identifying your target audience. Understanding their needs and preferences will help you select the right products, set appropriate pricing, and design the store layout.

Market research is critical in understanding the demand for your grocery store setup in the area you plan to open. It will help you identify the competition, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and determine the unique selling points of your store.

Your marketing strategy should focus on attracting customers to your grocery store. Determine the best ways to reach your target audience, such as social media, print advertising, or flyers. Plan promotions, such as discounts or loyalty programs, to incentivize repeat business.

Starting or owning a small grocery store requires significant financial investment. Know how much to open or start a grocery store. Plan your finances carefully by identifying startup costs, fixed and variable expenses, and projected revenue. Determine how much you’ll need to finance the business and where you’ll obtain the necessary capital.

The operational plan outlines how your grocery store will function on a day-to-day basis. It includes the store’s hours, staffing requirements, inventory management, and customer service policies.

The store layout is critical in attracting and retaining customers. Consider the flow of the store, the sections and placement of products, and the overall aesthetic of the store. A well-designed layout can help customers find what they’re looking for and increase sales. 

Starting a grocery store requires compliance with numerous legal requirements, including obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, registering for taxes, and complying with safety regulations. Ensure that you understand and comply with all legal requirements.

If you’re considering opening a supermarket, mini grocery, or retail store, the steps outlined above are also applicable. However, there are some additional considerations specific to these types of businesses.

When opening a supermarket, you’ll need to consider factors such as the size of the store, the number of employees required, and the range of products offered. You may also want to offer additional services such as a pharmacy, bakery, or deli to attract customers.

Mini groceries are typically smaller than supermarkets and may specialize in certain types of products such as organic or gourmet foods. When opening a mini grocery, it’s important to carefully consider the product selection, pricing, and target market.

Retail stores can sell a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, or home goods. When creating a retail store business plan, you’ll need to consider factors such as inventory management, staffing requirements, and marketing strategies. Regardless of the type of business you plan to open, a comprehensive entrepreneurship business plan is essential. It should include market research, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans. A well-crafted business plan can help attract investors and secure financing.

In summary, opening a grocery store, supermarket, mini grocery, or retail store requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. By creating a comprehensive business plan and following the steps outlined above, you can increase the likelihood of success and achieve your entrepreneurial goals.

1.0 Executive Summary

“Jolly Groceries Ltd. ” operating as “Jolly Groceries” (The Company), was incorporated on January 5, 2021, in the state of New York by Neil Stallen and Tim Wilson. Jolly Groceries is a specialty grocery store founded to meet a strong neighbourhood need for quality, Middle Eastern grocery options in the Brooklyn and Downtown New York area. 

The Brooklyn area of Downtown New York currently lacks any good grocers or reliable shops to get fresh or specialty products from the Middle East. Mr. Stallen and Mr. Wilson currently operate another grocery store on the other side of town (Macky Market, 837 Bidwell Street, New York) and regularly talk to downtown residents about their need for a specialty ethnic grocery store in their communities. Aside from offering hard-to-find grocery products in Jolly Groceries, their pricing will be more competitive with 0.5% less mark-up on most international products in the store. 

Mr. Stallen (15 years of grocery experience) and Mr. Wilson (with 10 years) will be co-owners of the store with 51% and 49% share respectively. Their combined experience and leadership will contribute to the success and rapid growth of the Company.  Jolly Groceries’ target customers include Turkish, Iranian, and Arabic immigrants who now live in Downtown New York. They crave the nostalgic tastes of their home country that they can’t find anywhere else locally.  

Jolly Groceries is currently seeking a $250,000 loan under the SBA Loan Program to help with launch activities and essential capital and equipment purchases. The shop plans to open in June 2022.  The Company seeks to contribute to a world where everyone has access to their favourite foods from their home country or region, no matter where in the world they live. These foods from home will be affordable and easy to find or sourced through Jolly Groceries.

2.0 Business Overview

Jolly Groceries is a new specialty ethnic grocery store opening in June 2022 in the trendy Downtown New York neighbourhood of Brooklyn. The store will carry local and international foods from the Middle East and open seven days a week from 9 am to 10 pm to serve the local community and local Middle Eastern Immigrants.

The Company will be a partnership between Mr. Neil Stallen (owning 51%) and his business partner Mr. Tim Wilson (owning 49%). Mr. Stallen currently owns another grocery store (Aria Market) in New York, where Mr. Wilson is the manager. The two partners have a combined 25 years of experience in the grocery industry. 

The store is for the whole community, but the main draw will be for the specialty Middle Eastern products that Aria Market doesn’t have room to stock. It will be physically larger than their Bidwell location, with over 7,000 sq ft of retail space plus 3,900 sq ft of back office, food prep, and inventory storage in the back. 

Jolly Groceries will fill a local need for a local grocery store for residents and tourists alike.  During the summer months, as the tourist population in New York increases, the market expects to see increased demand for their products, which will lead to a growth in sales.  

The Company plans to become a local hub for the local Middle Eastern community. As such, the Company will: 

  • never compromise on freshness
  • always provide friendly customer service
  • Focus on sourcing the best diet-specific foods (including keto and gluten-free products) options for their customers. 

2.1 Industry Overview

The grocery industry is not expected to become obsolete anytime soon. Consumers are looking to get all their everyday grocery staples and specialty items from one place. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants were shut down, so customers turned to more fresh food and produce, so grocery stores saw a dramatic increase in success and profitability. 

Now, as we’re coming to the end of the restrictions put in place by the pandemic and restaurants are beginning to reopen, the industry is expecting a temporary drop throughout the rest of 2021 as people buy fewer groceries and eat out more. All economic indicators and predictions show this drop to last no more than one to two years before average growth returns for the industry. 

Jolly Groceries keeps a close eye on how consumers’ grocery buying habits are evolving. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for healthier produce, organic products, and gluten- or GMO-free groceries. This is a need that Jolly Groceries can cater to. 

2.2 Mission & Vision Statement

Jolly Groceries’ mission is to create a world where everyone has access to their favourite foods from their home country or region, no matter where in the world they live. 

Jolly Groceries’ vision is to become a hub for the Downtown New York community to get fresh local produce and specialty grocery items from the Middle East without travelling far or paying a premium. 

2.3 Goals and Objectives

In terms of business growth, the Company has set the following revenue goals:

  • Earning $200,000 per month by the end of year one
  • +15% growth during year two
  • +25% growth during year three

Jolly Groceries also hopes to become a hub for Middle Eastern immigrants in the neighbourhood. 

2.4 Core Values

Jolly Groceries staff and managers will make all business decisions and day-to-day operations with the Company’s four core values in mind:

  • Customer-focused : Jolly Groceries’ priority is satisfying its loyal customers.
  • Quality : The Company provides quality, fresh produce and offers personalized, quality service that you expect from your neighbourhood grocer. 
  • Compassion : In today’s world, a little kindness can have a considerable impact.
  • Goal-oriented: Jolly Groceries believes that goals are an effective growth strategy in business and personal lives.

2.5 Key Success Factors

The success of Jolly Groceries is dependent on the following key external drivers : 

  • Per Capita disposable income : As the economy begins to bounce back after the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, the unemployment rate will decrease. This will create a situation where families have increased disposable income to spend on specialty and imported groceries. 
  • Consumer Price Index for Food : Food and grocery costs skyrocketed in 2020 during the pandemic. Low oil prices and the depressed value of the American dollar played prominent roles. This index is expected to rise 2.3-3.3% annually for the next five years, parallel to the rise in costs of consumer products in general. 
  • External Competition for Supermarkets and grocery stores : With online grocers (like Amazon) and the increasing number of brick-and-mortar grocery stores, there is often intense competition in this sector. Retailers who offer specialized or niched products (ethnic-focus, vegan, gluten-free) will stand out from the competition. 
  • Population trends : Population has a direct correlation to the success of grocery stores. As of the last available American census data from 2016, New York’s population was estimated at 633,000 people. About 42% are immigrants , and 6.2% are from West Central Asia and the Middle East.  
  • Proximity to key markets : A critical success factor for grocers is opening shops in key neighbourhoods and heavily populated areas . Clear exterior signage and access to parking can provide additional access to food traffic. 

Internal factors that will be pivotal to the success of Jolly Groceries include:

  • Maintaining an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction
  • Always providing low-price/high-quality products
  • Hiring the right staff to help make the Company a success. 
  • Maintaining good relationships with suppliers and distributors.

2.6 Staffing

Many staff are required to keep the store operational. In their experience operating Aria Market on Bidwell Street in New York, they found most of their qualified applicants through in-store signage. For Jolly Groceries, staff will be recruited the same way.  

A few key staff member positions for the store include:

  • Cashiers : Applicants must demonstrate an ability to work in a fast-paced environment and keep their cool in the presence of customers. Proven success in providing excellent customer service will be critical, and they must have a collaborative spirit to become a great team player. 
  • Cashier and Produce Supervisors : We require store supervisors to have at least three years of experience in a grocery store. This experience means that they understand the inner workings of a grocery store and likely also have valuable leadership skills, which is another requirement for any applicant in this position. 
  • Prep Room and Produce Workers : Applicants for this position require a proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment. They must work well with others and can lift up to 50lbs. 

Staff will be paid between $15.65 and $18 per hour in the first year, $16.25 – $19 per hour in year two, and $17 – $20.50 per hour in year three of operation.

2.7 Management Team

Mr. Stallen started his experience in the grocery industry as a convenience store manager for two years. He went on to be the owner of Aria Market for 15 years. He has experience in all aspects of grocery store operations. 

Mr. Wilson will be the store manager as he has extensive experience as the store manager for Aria Market. He will be paid $60,000 per year in year one, $72,000 in year two, and $78,000 in year three. 

Mr. Tim Wilson

I am an efficient and experienced retail sales manager capable of assessing customer needs, managing a team and preparing staff schedules. I am a fast learner who is good at multitasking, prioritizing tasks and ensuring all targets are met or exceeded. 

Academic Qualifications

  • B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering| University of Isfahan, Iran | 2009-2013.
  • Leadership Preparation Diploma with CO-OP|ISS Language & Career College of BC| 2019.

Work Experience

Retail sales manager | Iran | 2010-2016

  • I managed a successful sales territory that showed consistent sales growth of 20% per year.
  • I was responsible for managing a team of staff in the place.
  • I was responsible for creating employee timesheets and handling requests for time off.
  • I was interviewing new staff and determining their suitability.

Store Manager | Aria Market, New York, US | 2018-2020

  • I liaised with customers and suppliers daily.
  • I am responsible for ordering stock and stock control.
  • We are maintaining the high standards of the place.

3.0 Products & Services

To be competitive in the market, Jolly Groceries will reduce its product mark-up. Competitors typically mark-up grocery products 2x, but the Company will only mark up 1.5%.

It is expected that meat and produce will make up the majority of revenue, at 40% and 25% respectively. General grocery sales will contribute 20% of the total business revenue. Overall sales for the first few months are expected to be slower as Jolly Groceries becomes known in the community. Within six months, the Company plans to double its average monthly revenue to coincide with the busy winter and holiday months. 

3.1 Products

Jolly Groceries will mix local and international (mainly Middle Eastern) produce and grocery products. This includes departments for Halal meat, general grocery, nuts, deli, and bakery.

The Company is planning to stock popular, reliable brands of Middle Eastern grocery items, including: 1&1, San Remo, Sadaf, Krinos, Badr, Golestan 

To offer customers the best possible prices, Jolly Groceries will purchase from several reputable wholesale suppliers, including: Krinos Food, San Remo Rods, M&H, Baloot Bakery, Saman Bakery, Van Whole Produce, Fresh direct

To ensure a good mix of local and imported products, we will also offer locally grown produce, including Ambrosia apples, tomatoes, berries, and beets.

Let's Get Started!

  • Your Name *
  • Email Address *
  • Phone Number

4.0 Operations

The grocery store will open in June 2022 in the trendy Downtown New York community of Brooklyn.

Business Address : 120 Tanker Street, New York, BC

The owners choose this location due to its proximity to a main transportation route in and out of the downtown core. Its corner location includes large windows to entice and attract people from anywhere in the intersection. 

The purchase of this location includes over 10,700 sq ft:

  • 7,000 sq ft of retail space
  • 800 sq ft office space
  • 1,200 sq ft prep room
  • 2,700 sq ft storage room

4.1 Equipment

In addition to spending $350,000 on renovations to the existing space, Jolly Groceries plans to make the following purchases: 

  • Walk-in cooler and freezer: $18,000
  • Lightning: $14,000
  • Security cameras: $6,000
  • Security alarm system: $7,500
  • Shelving: $80,000
  • Prep room equipment (scales, sealer, label printer, computer): $7,000 
  • Cashier station (software license, computer, scale, printer): $16,000 
  • Freezer (purchase and installation): $32,000
  • Fridge (purchase and installation):  $90,000

4.2 Inventory

The Jolly Groceries location includes 7,000 sq ft of retail space for inventory and a 2,700 sq ft storage space. The stock kept on-site will change seasonally and will be purchased based on demand. 

Initially, the Company will use $180,000 from the SBA Loan Program to purchase inventory for opening. 

4.3 Health & Safety Guidelines

As a grocery store, all employees and Company will always follow WorkSafe NY guidelines, local laws and bylaws, as well as any particular recommendations and regulations by Public Health. This includes:

  • Federal Government food safety laws
  • New York Provincial food safety laws
  • Local municipal legislation

5.0 Market Analysis

The need to buy groceries isn’t going away anytime soon. However, how and where consumers get their produce and groceries is changing. During the global COVID-19 Pandemic, grocery spend increased by 12% as expected. However, the industry is preparing for a -7% dip in 2021 as the economy reopens and many consumers start eating in restaurants again. This drop will be short-lived until 2023 when the market shifts back to a growth phase.

IBISWorld predicts that supermarkets and grocery stores will begin increasing their stock of ethnic foods over the coming years as the immigrant population in US grows:

“In addition to organic foods, IBISWorld expects supermarkets and grocery stores to increase their stock of ethnic foods. US is culturally and ethnically diverse, with a large immigrant population from Europe and Asia. As immigration is expected to be the primary reason for overall American population growth, demand for ethnic foods in US is expected to increase over the next five years. Consequently, industry participants that devote more retail space to ethnic food products are anticipated to outperform their competitors over the coming years.” IBISWorld

Supermarkets & Grocery Stores in US (NAICS Report 44511CA)

Industry profits are expected to remain relatively stable over the next five years. A key driver for future earnings in this market is the projected increase in consumer’s disposable income. In addition, Americans are becoming more health-conscious. There is increasing demand for specialty produce and products to cater to niche foods, high-end foods, organic items, gluten-free, and non-GMO foods. These products often come with a higher sticker cost, so as disposable income increases, so will spending on these items. 

5.1 Competition

business plan of grocery store

IGA Food Stores https://www.igastoresbc.com/  

business plan of grocery store

Nesters Market https://www.nestersmarket.com/  

business plan of grocery store

Choices Markets https://www.choicesmarkets.com/  

5.2 Competitive Advantage

One of Jolly Groceries’s most significant advantages is that its prices are lower than most of the Company’s competitors. Competitors mark up most products by 2x, whereas Jolly Groceries will only be 1.5x. This extra 0.5 % savings can be passed on to customers. 

Other key differentiators include:

  • Always fresh produce : If it’s not fresh or expires before it’s purchased, it will be taken out of the store’s retail area. 
  • Unique Middle East Products : The Company plans to sell specialty Middle East grocery products that you can’t find anywhere in Downtown New York. 
  • Focus on Quality : The Company will provide high-quality fresh produce and provide quality customer service as the neighbourhood grocer. 

5.3 Risk Analysis

Risk: In a business that provides fresh produce and groceries, rodent control is paramount. Rodents on the premises could mean being shut down by Public Health and could cause health issues. 

To mitigate this risk, rodent traps will be installed in inconspicuous areas of the shop, and fresh produce will be covered overnight.

Risk: The summer months and November through December are commonly busy times for grocery stores. Jolly Groceries expects to see higher revenue during these months. In the lower revenue months, the Company could experience cash flow irregularities. 

To mitigate this risk, extra profits from the busier months will be saved to cover costs during the slower months if necessary. 

Risk : Retail stores are at risk of being hit by vandals and thieves. Stolen goods and damage to the property can be expensive and tarnish the reputation of the business. It can also put the safety of staff and customers at risk. 

To mitigate this risk, Jolly Groceries is installing state-of-the-art security cameras and alarm systems in the shop. These measures are likely to deter or eliminate any thefts or break-ins. 

Risk : Improperly managed stores risk stock building up faster than it can be sold. Excess stock not only creates a mess in storerooms but can also expire more quickly than it can be sold, leading to un-saleable merchandise and a loss of profits. 

To mitigate this, the Company is using the expertise of both partners who understand the buying cycles of grocery products to reliably predict when to reorder products to minimize overstocking and storage complications, especially when it comes to fresh groceries and produce. 

6.0 Sales & Marketing Plan

The Brooklyn area of Downtown New York, where the shop will be situated, has a growing Iranian population. People and families from throughout the Middle East (including Turkish, Iranian, and Arabic) also live in the nearby neighbourhoods of Olympic Village and Chinatown. The store’s primary target customer will live within 20 km from the store, but those from outlying communities who come into the city for work may also stop by for groceries on their way to or from work. 

As much as they love their new home in the US, they have a deep love of the food and grocery products from their home countries. And, when they have relatives visiting from back home, they want to show them that New York has some of their favourite foods.

Some of the foods they find challenging to buy in New York include some authentic dried fruits, dates, spices, herbs, teas, and fresh vegetables. Now that the pandemic is nearly over, their disposable income is increasing, and they can afford to get these specialties from the grocery store again. 

Family is a key value for Jolly Groceries’ target customers. They enjoy eating great food with their friends and family. They may also want to introduce Middle Eastern specialty meals and foods to their American friends. 

The customers living in Brooklyn are also craving more local choices for fresh produce, regardless of their ethnicity. The store will cater to that need in the local neighbourhood. 

6.1 Key Channels

While a large portion of Jolly Groceries’ customers will be walk-ins who pass by on the street from the local neighbourhood, the Company will also be engaging in several marketing tactics to attract customers and keep them up-to-date about the business. 

Social media will be a primary channel, and Jolly Groceries will start with a Facebook Business Page and an Instagram account. The primary goal of these channels is to build up a sense of community by sharing valuable information about the store and community. Mr. Wilson will manage these accounts.

Jolly Groceries will also create a Google listing, so the Company appears on Google Maps. The Company will run Google Ad campaigns to target more specific and localized demographics. 

Print flyers and ads will be created and distributed through US Post to local residences in Jolly Groceries’s target neighbourhoods. 

6.2 SWOT Analysis

Have questions looking to get started, 7.0 financial plan, 7.1 income statement .

business plan of grocery store

7.2 Cash Flow Statement

business plan of grocery store

7.3 Balance Sheet

business plan of grocery store

How can we help you?

Get in touch with us or visit our office

Grocery Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Owning a grocery store can be a rewarding and challenging experience, especially if you are starting from scratch. To make sure that you have the minimum amount of stress and the maximum profitability, you need to craft a detailed business plan. With the #1 Grocery Business Plan Template & Guidebook, you can easily design and create an effective plan that will help you stay on track and exceed your goals. Get ready to take your grocery store to the next level with this ultimate business planning tool!

Nick

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

  • How to Start a Profitable Grocery Business [11 Steps]
  • 10+ Best & Profitable Grocery Business Ideas [2023]
  • 25 Catchy Grocery Business Names:
  • List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Grocery Store:

How to Write a Grocery Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your grocery business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your grocery business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a grocery business:

The purpose of our grocery business plan is to provide our customers with a wide variety of quality, affordable groceries in a clean and convenient shopping environment. We strive to create a positive shopping experience for all customers and promote our commitment to providing quality products and services at competitive prices.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Grocery Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your grocery business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my business?
  • What are the products and/or services that I offer?
  • Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
  • How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
  • How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your grocery business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your grocery business includes the following elements:

Target market

  • Who is your target market?
  • What do these customers have in common?
  • How many of them are there?
  • How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

  • Who are your current customers? 
  • Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
  • How can their experience with your grocery business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

  • How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
  • Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
  • Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
  • How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

  • Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
  • Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
  • What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

  • Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
  • What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
  • What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
  • How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

business plan of grocery store

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

  • The equipment and facilities needed
  • Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
  • Financial requirements for each step
  • Milestones & KPIs
  • Location of your business
  • Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a grocery business?

  • Business license
  • Cash register
  • Point of sale (POS) system
  • Refrigeration equipment, such as refrigerators and freezers
  • Scales for weighing produce
  • Grocery bags and other packaging materials
  • Stock shelves and other display units
  • Inventory control software
  • Security system including cameras and alarms

5. Management & Organization of Your Grocery Business.

The second part of your grocery business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

  • How many employees you need in order to run your grocery business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
  • The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
  • How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Grocery Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a grocery business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a grocery business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your grocery business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your grocery business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your grocery business plan:

  • Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
  • Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
  • Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
  • Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
  • Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
  • Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

business plan of grocery store

Frequently Asked Questions About Grocery Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a grocery business.

A business plan is essential for a grocery business, as it provides direction and outlines the goals and objectives for the business. It serves as a roadmap to guide operations, and helps identify potential risks, opportunities, and areas of improvement. It is also valuable when seeking financing from banks or investors. Additionally, a business plan can help ensure that all necessary steps are taken to successfully start and manage the grocery business.

Who should you ask for help with your grocery business plan?

You should ask for help from a business consultant or a mentor who has experience in the grocery business. You could also seek advice from a Small Business Administration (SBA) representative in your area.

Can you write a grocery business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a grocery business plan yourself. Depending on the complexity and scope of your plan, it may be beneficial to seek assistance from an experienced business consultant or accountant. Additionally, there are many resources available online or through industry associations and organizations that can provide guidance and helpful advice on how to create a successful business plan.

Related Business Plans

image of Home Inventory

Home Inventory Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Home Inspection

Home Inspection Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Home Decor

Home Decor Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Health And Wellness

Health And Wellness Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Hauling

Hauling Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Hardware

Hardware Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Handyman

Handyman Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Hair Extension

Hair Extension Business Plan Template & Guidebook

image of Handbag

Handbag Business Plan Template & Guidebook

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

Upmetrics

Business Planning

  • Financial Forecasting

AI Assistance

See how upmetrics works  →, strategic planning, entrepreneurs & small business, accelerators & incubators, business consultants & advisors, educators & business schools, students & scholars.

  • Sample Plans

Business Plan Course

Small business tools.

  • Strategic Canvas Templates

E-books, Guides & More

  • WHY UPMETRICS?

Customers Success Stories

  • Business Plan Builder
  • Canvas Modeling
  • Product Tour
  • Business Consultants and Advisors
  • Entrepreneurs And Small Businesses
  • Accelerators & Incubators
  • Educators & Business Schools
  • Students & Scholars
  • Sample Business Plans
  • business plan course
  • E-Books, Guides & More
  • Success Stories
  • Food, Beverage & Restaurant

Grocery Business Plan

trustpilot reviews

There will be a market for groceries and other household goods because of the demand, and this can be a very profitable business venture. But opening and running a grocery store need thorough preparation, investigation, and attention to detail.

Are you looking to start writing a business plan for your grocery store? Creating a business plan is essential to starting, growing, and securing funding for your business. We have prepared a grocery store business plan template for you to help in start writing yours.

sample business plan

Free Business Plan Template

Download our Free Business Plan Template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

  • Fill in the blanks – Outline
  • Financial Tables

How to Write a Grocery Store Business Plan?

Writing a grocery store business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section of the business plan intended to provide an overview of the whole business plan. Generally, it is written after the entire business plan is ready. Here are some components to add to your summary:

Start with a brief introduction:

Market opportunity:, mention your products and services:, management team:, financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure you keep your executive summary concise and clear, use simple language, and avoid jargon.

Say goodbye to boring templates

Build your business plan faster and easier with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

business plan of grocery store

2. Business Overview

Depending on what details of your business are important, you’ll need different elements in your business overview. Still, there are some foundational elements like business name, legal structure, location, history, and mission statement that every business overview should include:

About the business:

Provide all the basic information about your business in this section like:

  • The name of the grocery store and the concept behind it: like are you opening a supermarket, small grocery store, mini grocery store, convenience store, or something else?
  • Company structure of your supermarket whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership firm, or others.
  • Location of your supermarket and the reason why you selected that place.

Mission statement:

Business history:, future goals:.

This section should provide an in-depth understanding of your grocery store business. Also, the business overview section should be engaging and precise.

3. Market Analysis

Market analysis provides a clear understanding of the market in which your small grocery store business will run along with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. Your market analysis should contain the following essential components:

Target market:

Market size and growth potential:, competitive analysis:, market trends:, regulatory environment:.

Some additional tips for writing the market analysis section of your business plan:

  • Use a variety of sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
  • Be specific and provide detailed information wherever possible.
  • Include charts and graphs to help illustrate your key points.
  • Keep your target audience in mind while writing the business plan

4. Products And Services

The product and services section of a grocery store business plan should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

List the product:

  • Create a list of the services that your grocery store will offer: fresh produce, meat, poultry products, dairy products, turkey, cookies, chocolates, bread, grain, beverages, frozen food, and others.

Emphasize safety and quality:

Overall, a business plan’s product and services section should be detailed, informative, and customer-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Develop your unique selling proposition (USP):

Determine your pricing strategy:, marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, the sales and marketing strategies section of your business plan should outline your plans to attract and retain customers and generate revenue. Be specific, realistic, and data-driven in your approach, and be prepared to adjust your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

When writing the operations plan section, it’s important to consider the various aspects of your business processes and procedures involved in operating a business. Here are the components to include in an operations plan:

Hiring plan:

Operational process:, technology and equipment:.

By including these key elements in your operations plan section, you can create a comprehensive plan that outlines how you will run your grocery store business.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of the individuals responsible for running the grocery store. This section should provide a detailed description of the experience and qualifications of each manager, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Key managers:

Organizational structure:, compensation plan:, board of advisors:.

Describe the key personnel of your company and highlight why your business has the fittest team.

8. Financial Plan

When writing the financial plan section of a business plan, it’s important to provide a comprehensive overview of your financial projections for the first few years of your business.

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:, financing needs:.

Remember to be realistic with your financial projections, and to provide supporting evidence for all of your estimates.

9. Appendix

When writing the appendix section, you should include any additional information that supports the main content of your plan. This may include financial statements, market research data, legal documents, and other relevant information.

  • Include a table of contents for the appendix section to make it easy for readers to find specific information.
  • Include financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These should be up-to-date and show your financial projections for at least the first three years of your business.
  • Provide market research data, such as statistics on the size of the grocery industry, consumer demographics, and trends in the industry.
  • Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
  • Provide any additional documentation related to your business plans, such as marketing materials, product brochures, and operational procedures.
  • Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the information they need.

Remember, the appendix section of your grocery store business should only include relevant and important information that supports the main content of your plan.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

crossline

This grocery store business plan sample will provide an idea for writing a successful plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you are still confused about how to write an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, then download our grocery store business plan pdf .

Related Posts

Convenience Store Business Plan

Convenience Store Business Plan

Farmers Market Business Plan

Farmers Market Business Plan

400+ Free Business Plan Template

400+ Free Business Plan Template

Dairy Farm Business Plan

Dairy Farm Business Plan

Write Business Plan for Startup

Write Business Plan for Startup

ChatGPT Business Plan Writing Guide

ChatGPT Business Plan Writing Guide

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a grocery store business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful supermarket. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your grocery store.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your store.

How to get funding for your grocery store business?

There are several ways to get funding for your grocery store, but one of the most efficient and speedy funding options is self-funding. Other options for funding are

  • Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying it.
  • Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your store, usually online.
  • Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought options for startups.
  • Venture capital – Venture capitalists will invest in your business in exchange for a percentage of shares, so this funding option is also viable.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your grocery store business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and idea better than you, so we recommend you write your grocery store business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your grocery store business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any grocery store business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

business plan of grocery store

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Upmetrics logo

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

trustpilot reviews

Popular Templates

bpb AI Feature Image

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

  • 400+ Business plan templates & examples
  • AI Assistance & step by step guidance
  • 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

Download Grocery Business Plan

BusinessPlanTemplate.com - The World's Leading Business Plan Template Directory

Grocery Store Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

 width=

Grocery Store Business Plan Template

If you want to start a Grocery Store or Supermarket business or expand your current Grocery Store business, you need a business plan.

The following Grocery Store business plan template can be used to create a grocery store business plan, supermarket business plan, or a small grocery store business plan.

You can download our Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Below are links to each of the key sections of your Grocery Store business plan:

Grocery Store Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

Click below to see each section of our free grocery store business plan template. You can also click here to get our small grocery store business plan pdf .

Comments are closed.

grocery store business plan template

business plan of grocery store

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template

The world's #1 business plan template.

  • Search Search for: Search Close

Grocery Store Business Plan Template

The world’s #1 grocery store business plan template — it’s the quickest and easiest way to create a winning grocery store business plan, period.

UBPT-Hero-Shot

  • Quickly & easily finish your business plan
  • Turn your ideas into reality
  • Get funding from lenders & investors
  • Dominate your competitors
  • Increase sales & profits
  • Trusted by more than 100,000 businesses
  • Zero learning curve
  • 365-day 100% money back guarantee
  • Get the world’s best growth strategies & tactics
  • Lifetime access and no recurring fees
  • 365 days of free customer support
  • “Insider Secrets to Raising Capital” ($299 value) included FREE
  • “Productivity Secrets” ($197 value) included FREE
  • … and much more!

business plan of grocery store

It Took Us 17 Years to Create the Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template for You

Hi, I’m Dave Lavinsky, the co-founder and President of Growthink.

Dave-Headshot-Circle2

I’m honored and flattered to have been recognized as the world’s foremost business planning expert by BusinessWeek, Forbes and others.

Seventeen years ago we started writing business plans for entrepreneurs, executives and business owners like you.

During this time, we’ve helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs and businesses achieve great success.

Using this vast experience, we have created and constantly refined Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template to be the hands-down quickest and easiest way to create a professional Grocery Store business plan that allows you to raise capital and build a strategically sound business.

100,000+ Satisfied Buyers

business plan of grocery store

“Your Business Planning Template has been the single most valuable tool for helping me think more critically and strategically. So thank you.”

Michael Saletta

business plan of grocery store

“I always thought writing a business plan was going to be very difficult – and that’s why I kept putting it off.

Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template made it as easy as filling in the blanks and pressing ‘print.’ Thanks again.”

David Schleider

business plan of grocery store

“I downloaded your template onto my computer, opened it up… and I actually was able to finish my business plan by the end of the day!”

Brett Perrine

business plan of grocery store

“I bought your business plan template and raised $1,550,000 this year. Thank you for all you do!”

Wendy Drumm

INCREDIBLE FEATURES

Business-Plan-Template-Hero-with-all

You can finally create a professional Grocery Store business plan in less than 1 day thanks to these powerful features of Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template:

business plan of grocery store

Simply Fill in the Blanks

We’ve created simple, fill-in-the-blank exercises that guide you through all the key questions your Grocery Store business plan must answer.

And we give you samples for every section of your plan.

Just type your answers directly into our template and you’re done!

business plan of grocery store

Automatic Financials

Simply type in some numbers, like your salary and expected growth, and our template automatically calculates your complete 5-year financial projections.

You’ll have your Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, and multiple charts and graphs completed in minutes.

business plan of grocery store

Turn Your Ideas to Reality

If you don’t have an action plan for executing on your ideas, they’ll never materialize.

That’s why Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template includes an Operations Plan section.

This section takes you through our proven and proprietary process for creating an Operations Plan that will transform your ideas into reality.

business plan of grocery store

Improve Your Strategy

Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template helps you build a strategically sound business.

It guides you through key questions about your company, marketing and operations strategies, and gives you tons of ideas for improvement.

For example, in the Marketing Plan section, you’ll see several of the best marketing tactics to get new customers.

business plan of grocery store

Expert Answers

Our Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template “Members Area” gives answers to all your questions, plus access to our amazing customer support team.

business plan of grocery store

Raise Money Faster

The content and format of our Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template is tailored to the wants and needs of investors and lenders, so you raise more funding faster.

Our formula works wonders — our clients have raised over $2.5 BILLION!

business plan of grocery store

Lifetime Access

Once you purchase Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template, you have lifetime access to use it for any Grocery Store business in which you’re involved, now or in the future.

There are no recurring or monthly fees for our template, just a one-time fee.

business plan of grocery store

Zero Learning Curve

There’s no software to learn or install.

You simply download, personalize & print our Microsoft Word® and Excel® compatible Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template. And it works flawlessly on both PCs and Macs.

This is yet another way you save precious time!

365-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

money-back-guarantee-transpfinal2

Here’s our promise: Purchase today 100% risk-free because Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template comes with a full 365 Day 100% Money Back Guarantee.

If for any reason you are not delighted with your purchase, simply contact our friendly support desk and you will be promptly given a full refund… No questions asked!

Plus 2 Great Free Bonuses – Yours Free

business plan of grocery store

Raise Funding in a Flash

When you order, we give you instant access to “Insider Secrets to Raising Capital” ($299 value) for FREE.

This program includes 15 expert interviews (both audio recordings and transcripts) we conducted with top investors, lenders and entrepreneurs who have raised funding.

The interviews teach you the keys to raising funding and the critical mistakes to avoid.

$299 Value – Yours FREE

business plan of grocery store

Fast-Track Your Growth

We not only help you quickly and expertly finish your business plan, but we help you grow a thriving business.

We do this by giving you FREE instant access to our renowned “Productivity Secrets for Entrepreneurs” course ($197 value).

This program gives you the precise techniques the world’s most successful business executives use to achieve amazing success in less time than you’d ever think imaginable!

$197 Value – Yours FREE

Get Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template Right Now!

Add to Cart

Even More Satisfied Buyers

business plan of grocery store

“I knew I had to create a business plan, but I didn’t know how to go about doing that.

I was delighted that I could pick up your template with all the key components… just drop in my idea… and put it together in a way that hits all the key points and makes an impact with the investment community.

Obviously, the result is in whether or not you’re able to raise money…

We’re delighted because we were able to raise money, and we’re off to the races!”

Andrew Kessler

business plan of grocery store

“I wanted to let you know that since I used your template, my business has improved dramatically and I am FINALLY starting to really grow.

You were right. I was able to easily create my financials (I was really scared about that going in) and editing the document was pretty straightforward.

And, then, a friend of mine introduced me to some angel investors. And when I showed them the business plan, they wrote me a check on the spot!.”

Scott Sofsian

business plan of grocery store

“I purchased this product and it was amazing! Guess what? I got my loan and had 2 other offers.

My biz plan was done in 12 hours. Worth every penny!”

Maria Miranda

business plan of grocery store

I wanted to thank you for the business advice around creating a compelling business plan.

I used your guidance and since then have raised more than $1 million in angel investment.”

David McGrath

business plan of grocery store

“Dave’s business plan made all of this achievable. The excel spread sheets made it easy to provide forecasts and budgets.

When I had a question I just needed to call his team up. They were knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.

I highly recommend this product.”

Joseph Grimaldi

business plan of grocery store

“It is my pleasure to write this glowing testimony concerning your business plan template. I am VERY pleased with this product and it has helped me complete my business plan.

I do not know how we would have achieved these results without your company’s product.”

Juan Zane Crawford

The Most Well-Regarded Business Plan Firm on Earth

For two decades the media has praised Growthink and looked to us for answers to their questions about business planning, raising capital and growing ultra-successful businesses.

We are the highest rated business plan firm on ResellerRatings.com (9.6 rating out of 10) and have had an A+ Rating with BBB since 1999.

Here’s a small sample of the 300+ media sources in which Growthink has been featured:

business plan of grocery store

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to your most frequently asked questions:.

Immediately upon purchasing Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template, you will be taken to our Member’s Area where you can instantly download our template and begin working on your business plan.

If for any reason you are not delighted with our product, simply contact our friendly support desk and you’ll be issued a full refund. You have an entire year to request a refund if desired.

Unlike other software that charges you a fee month after month after month, you only pay once for Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template and you own it.

You can create an unlimited number of business plans with Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template. Once you purchase it, you have lifetime access to use it for any business in which you’re involved, now or in the future.

Yes, Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template works flawlessly on both PCs and Macs.

Yes , you can! Anyone can easily follow our basic instructions and create a great business plan quickly and easily. Plus, my expert team is available to help you if you have any questions.

More Feedback

Even more feedback from the over 100,000+ customers who love growthink’s ultimate grocery store business plan template & other business plan templates.

business plan of grocery store

“Before Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template, I was really frustrated.

I knew I had to write my business plan in order to start my business. But I kept putting it off…because it seemed like it would be SO hard to do. And I wasn’t really sure how to write my plan.

But with your Template, within a few hours my business plan was done. What a relief! And now the business is really starting to grow.”

business plan of grocery store

“Finding Dave Lavinsky and his Business Plan Template allowed me to take my dream of owning a business and make it a reality.

My investors and mentors have commented that my business plan is the most complete and informative plan they’ve ever seen.

Without you, I wonder if I would have been capable of raising the amount of capital I needed to start my own business and follow my dream.”

Bobby Wiltgen

business plan of grocery store

I bought your business planning template and have been receiving your emails and videos for a few months now…

I just wanted to say thanks for cranking out such amazing work!

You’re doing an incredible job, and I know entrepreneurs everywhere are benefitting from it! Please, keep it up!”

business plan of grocery store

“I want to say how impressed I am with the planning template product I bought from you. It’s saving me a ton of time and effort, and enabling me to develop a new plan so much easier and faster than before.”

Rick Braddy

business plan of grocery store

“From an end user point of view, your template was perfect for putting my ideas on paper.”

Larry Graise

business plan of grocery store

“I think this is a great tool for what you want to do. It is beautifully done!!! I am very impressed!”

Joyce Howze

business plan of grocery store

“I had tried other business plan templates in the past, but yours is better.”

Edward Whitney

business plan of grocery store

“I am in the midst of completing my plan, using your template. I have found it not only user-friendly but thorough (without being overwhelming) and professionally designed.”

Dr. Dwight Lysne

business plan of grocery store

“This is amazing, thank you so much. I researched so many business plan templates and yours is so amazing and easy to follow.”

DeeEllen Jennings

business plan of grocery store

“I didn’t feel I knew enough to write a business plan… But this is a very good and thorough template.”

Brian Serup

business plan of grocery store

“Would you like some more positive feedback?

I sent the business plan, drafted using your business plan template to a trusted friend who is a retired CEO of a Fortune 500 company for comment.

Within 24 hours he got back to me, ‘… very professional presentation…’.”

Susanne Chess

business plan of grocery store

“We review funding requests all the time. Dave Lavinsky is right: most of them don’t address what we need to see and totally miss the point. After recommending this product, we see them pass with flying colors, without fail.”

Marc Kneepkens

business plan of grocery store

“Hi Dave, You are a wonder. Your Financial Business Modelling put in the Excel format is an excellent way to make entrepreneurs understand the basic concept of finances. Your direct involvement and assistance in my case is very much appreciated. “

Khai Levinh

business plan of grocery store

“Thank you for creating a template par excellence. It’s one of the best ‘Business Plan’ templates that I’ve ever come across.”

Kevin Arjel

business plan of grocery store

“Dave Lavinsky really understands how to create compelling business plans and raise capital, and his products succeed in infusing this knowledge.”

John Morris

business plan of grocery store

“I just purchased your business plan template… it is exactly what I need… People think starting a new business in bad times is crazy, me? I say it’s the glue that holds us together! Thanks for your wisdom!”

Debbie Cooke Butcher

business plan of grocery store

“Your business plan template has instilled hope and confidence in me. There are times I thought of giving up my dreams because I just could not deal with things like finances for a start up business.

As an individual, accounting and finances have never been my thing but with this template my dilemma becomes a walk in the park. Thus I am assured of success in business and also when persuading investors.

This template is a dream saver and I guarantee that no one will face disappointment.”

Fatuma Yussuf

business plan of grocery store

“I was so happy to find your business plan template. It was just what I needed to get my new business started in the right direction. The template pushed me to think in areas I had not put much focus on before, and I was able to put all the information in a well laid out plan and have it look very professional.

When I approached the bank and they saw my business plan, they were blown away!

As they began to ask questions about my business and monies needed, I was able to answer without stumbling over my words because I had a well thought out plan. They told me they had never seen anyone so prepared to start a business as I was. This gave me great confidence as well as being able to secure a loan for all that I asked for and more!

Danell Fitzgerald

Please wait while you are redirected to the right page...

business plan of grocery store

How to Open a Grocery Store in 5 Steps: Getting Started

People always need food and what better place to stock up on the essentials for the week than a grocery store? Due to this demand, many people have thought about opening a grocery store business of their own. Do you know how to open a grocery store? This business idea is similar to opening a restaurant , opening a coffee shop , opening a food truck , or opening a bakery . 

Grocery stores, otherwise known as supermarkets, sell food and household items. They’re the main source for all consumer home food needs. Aside from food, they’re also the ideal place for cleaning products, soft drinks, types of alcohol , and self-care items. Grocery stores are important local resources because they’re the go-to location for so many products. 

In the United States, the grocery store industry is worth $682 billion. Since the 1990s, grocery sales have doubled and are only expected to increase over time. Popular big box chains have grown to dominate the market with their private label brands (see Private Label Definition ) and products. These include Walmart private labels and Target private label brands . 

Despite the intense competition from big-box grocers and other small chains, there is still room for franchise or independent grocers to thrive. If you’re interested in exploring how to open a grocery store, keep reading for the details.

Download the link to the cost of opening a business eBook

Costs of Opening a Grocery Store 

When you think about opening a grocery store, you might ask, “How much does it cost to open a grocery store?” or you may wonder how to open a grocery store in general. It’s a fair question and an important one. The costs of opening a grocery store vary based on the business model you choose, like a direct to consumer business model . 

Opening a franchise grocery store won’t cost the same as opening a small corner store. For example, franchises require a one-time franchise fee which can cost you between $50,000 and $75,000. A small mom-and-pop grocery store can cost you about $25,000 to $50,000. 

There are other costs that you should also take into consideration. These include supplies, inventory, permits, licenses, and bonds. Renting a location that is already designed to be a grocery store, or deciding against franchising your grocery store, can help you cut your costs.

Grocery Store Startup Costs

In order to calculate the startup costs for your grocery store, you have to figure out the fixed costs, one-time costs, and ongoing expenses. These expenses include the cost of real estate, insurance, wages, business taxes, franchise feeds, inventory pricing, equipment, and signage. 

When it comes to funding your startup costs, you can turn to the Small Business Administration  (SBA). They help new businesses secure startup capital through loans and grants. You can also consider business credit cards.

How to Open a Grocery Store

A grocery store can be run as a brick and mortar shop or an online store. You can decide the type of grocery store business you want to open, including the size and product offerings.

The five steps to opening a grocery store include: 

  • Creating a grocery store business plan
  • Forming a legal entity and setting up taxes
  • Setting up bank accounts
  • Obtaining permits, licenses, and insurance
  • Defining the brand

1. Creating a Grocery Store Business Plan

All new business ideas should start with a business plan. You should write a business plan that helps you map out the success of your business. It should outline your business model, identify your niche market , and include financial predictions, such as the break even point . 

Consider adding the following points to your grocery store business plan: 

  • A thorough explanation of your business idea
  • Cost and profit projections
  • Business size
  • The products you’re going to sell
  • Your target market
  • A competitive analysis
  • The location of your grocery store business
  • Potential problems and their solutions
  • Potential grants that you can secure

2. Forming a Legal Entity and Setting Up Taxes

Establishing a legal entity is crucial for a business. Common business structure types can include limited liability company or LLC, sole proprietorship, corporation, and partnership. An LLC or legal business entity can protect you from being held personally liable if a situation occurs and your grocery store is sued. 

Before you open a business, you’ll have to set up federal and state taxes through various registration methods. In order to do this, you’ll have to obtain an EIN or Employer Identification Number. 

The cost of opening a business demo request

3. Setting Up Bank Accounts

Having a dedicated banking and credit account for your business is crucial when it comes to personal asset protection. This will help you keep your personal and business assets separate in case your business is sued. 

When you build business credit, you can become eligible for credit cards and financing for your business. This is can help you get higher lines of credit and better interest rates. A business bank account is also required for you to apply for a business loan. You can explore some of the best banks for small businesses to ensure you choose the right one. 

A Net 30 account can help you establish and build business credit. It is also useful for increasing business cash flow. With this kind of account, businesses can purchase goods and repay the balance within a 30-day period. 

4. Obtaining Permits, Licenses, and Insurance

To prevent having your business shut down, it’s best to obtain the proper permits, licenses, and insurance ahead of time. Each state has different licensing requirements. 

It’s best to check your state and local business licensing requirements before opening a grocery store business. Each state and local jurisdiction will have an SBA (Small Business Association). This will help you figure out what licenses and permits are necessary for your business. 

With business insurance, your business can operate in a safe and lawful manner. Business insurance will protect your company’s financial well-being in various situations. You can explore various insurance options and policies based on the risks you want to protect. General Liability Insurance is a great place to start. 

5. Defining the Brand

Your brand is how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help you stand out from the competition. Having a logo will help increase brand association. QR codes can also be great for business cards and publications to direct clients to your website. When defining your brand, be sure to understand the B2B and B2C meaning .

In terms of marketing, you should start promoting your business sooner rather than later. Effective locations to promote your grocery store business include college campuses, apartment complexes, and social media (see Social Media ROI ). Using word-of-mouth advertising and O2O marketing efforts may also be beneficial. 

It's also crucial for you to create a website for your brand. The website should include an about us page , like one of the about us page examples . Don't forget to also create a privacy policy .

How to Start a Grocery Store Online?

Starting an eCommerce grocery store can be a challenging task. However, it’s a profitable business model as the rise of eCommerce sales continues. Here are the steps to do it.

  • Choose a suitable eCommerce platform . The main factors for choosing a suitable platform are the number of expected visitors and the integration opportunities. If you plan your grocery store to have clients only from the local area, you can opt for some of the well-known eCommerce platforms. However, if you’re planning to scale and build a nationwide brand, it’s recommended to choose a custom-made solution. So, before you ask yourself how to start a grocery store online, make sure you know what the needs for your future project are.
  • Integrate the inventory . Having impeccable integration between physical and online stores is crucial for proper inventory management. If you’re researching how to open a grocery store online, make sure you can integrate the online platform with the current software.
  • Marketing is essential . Plan your marketing strategy ahead of time. In fact, you should start running brand awareness marketing campaigns even before the online grocery store goes live. Don’t be afraid to experiment with out-of-the-box marketing ideas. Even though the majority of people who buy from online grocery stores are young, consider solutions for elderly people as well. For example, you can create different subscription plans for people with disabilities or mobility issues. ‍
  • Constantly improve the UX . Shopping at an online grocery store should be as easy as (and even easier than) going to the supermarket. Make sure to do various A/B tests that help you improve the UX. If you’re wondering how to start a grocery store that’s profitable and well-recognized online, improving the user experience is a key element.

Grocery Store Business Plan

A successful business starts with a business plan, like a restaurant business plan , winery business plan , or eCommerce business plan . This is no different for a grocery store business. A grocery store business plan will help you ensure that your business is set up to thrive.

Your grocery store business plan should include the following sections:

  • Executive summary
  • Company overview
  • Customer analysis
  • Industry analysis
  • Financial plan
  • Marketing plan
  • Operations plan
  • Management plan

Within your business plan, you should explain the kind and type of grocery store that you plan to operate. Be sure to include a background of the business. This plan should map out how to open a grocery store.

Your grocery store business plan should answer the following questions: 

  • Why and when do you plan to start the business?
  • What breakthroughs (sales goals, new store openings, etc.) have you achieved so far? 
  • What legal structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, S-corp) are you looking into?

Frequently Asked Questions About Opening a Grocery Store Business

What is a grocery store.

A grocery store is a business that sells a large variety of food and household products. These include fresh produce , meat products , dairy , packaged and canned goods, pharmacy products, household cleaners, and pet supplies. This kind of business differs from convenience stores, warehouse clubs, superstores, and the meal subscription business , like a meat subscription box . 

How Much Profit Do Grocery Stores Make?

Standard grocery stores have an average profit margin of roughly 2.2%. Grocery stores that target the organic, natural, and gourmet target markets see an average profit margin of about 5-10%. 

What Items Are the Most Profitable in Grocery Stores?

The most profitable items in grocery stores include: 

  • Prepared foods
  • Non-grocery items
  • Cosmetics and beauty supplies
  • Butcher and wholesale meat
  • Deli meats and cheeses
  • Over-the-counter and brand name medications

It's important to keep the food supply chain in mind when picking the products for your grocery store. Look into " what is the food supply chain ?", for a better understanding.

BusinessDojo

Item added to your cart

How to write a business plan for your grocery store business.

business plan for a grocery store

Starting a grocery store is a great idea because it allows entrepreneurs to capitalize on the large and constantly growing demand for food and other essential items.

Additionally, grocery stores have relatively low overhead costs and can be a reliable source of income.

But, first thing first, you need a business plan.

A business plan is essential for any new project, as it helps to define the goals of the project, as well as providing a roadmap for success. It also helps to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

In short, a good business plan will help ensure the profitability of your grocery store .

What are the essential parts of a business plan for a grocery store? What's the ideal arrangement for the structure? What are the recommended financial benchmarks to use? What's the fastest way to outline a comprehensive business plan?

Look no further! This article will cover all these questions and give you the answers you need.

One last thing: starting your business plan from scratch is not required.

Instead, you can download our business plan for a grocery store and customize it to fit your needs.

business plan supermarket

Mapping out a business plan for a grocery store

Should you write a business plan for your grocery store.

Yes, you should write a business plan for your grocery store.

Creating an effective business plan will help you to:

  • get familiar with the grocery store market
  • be knowledgeable about the industry's latest trends
  • identify what makes a grocery store successful
  • understand the shopping habits, preferences, and needs of customers for groceries and household products
  • come up with a great value proposition for your supermarket
  • investigate competitive differentiation
  • find competitive advantages for your grocery store
  • find a business model that delivers consistent positive financial outcomes
  • formulate a bulletproof strategy to propel business growth and sustainability
  • identify and manage risks involved in running a grocery store, including inventory management, customer safety, and competition

Our team has drafted a business plan for a grocery store that is designed to make it easier for you to achieve all the elements listed.

How to outline a business plan for a grocery store?

A business plan contains facts, numbers, and indicators. It must be presented in a structured format, to make easy to read and digest.

When we designed our business plan for a grocery store , we ensured it was properly organized.

There are 5 main sections (Opportunity, Project, Market Research, Strategy and Finances).

1. Market Opportunity

The section at the beginning is called "Market Opportunity."

In this section, you will find valuable data and insights about the grocery store industry, helping you understand the market landscape and consumer shopping preferences.

We revamp this section twice a year for up-to-date data.

2. Project Presentation

Within the "Project" section, outline your grocery store, including the variety of products, store organization, customer services, and emphasize the unique value proposition for shoppers seeking quality groceries.

At the end of this section, provide a brief introduction about yourself and your commitment to providing a wide range of grocery products.

Explain your dedication to quality and freshness, your diverse product offerings, and how you plan to create a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience at your grocery store. Highlight your friendly staff, your well-organized aisles, and your dedication to meeting the needs of the community through your grocery store.

You'll find provided wording in our business plan. Customize it to fit your concept precisely.

3. Market Research

Then, there is the "Market Research" section.

In this section, you will find a market segmentation analysis for your grocery store.

It includes a study of other grocery stores in the area that will be competing with you. Your store's unique product offerings and competitive advantages are also highlighted. A customized SWOT analysis is included.

4. Strategy

In the "Strategy" section, you will find a detailed growth plan for your grocery store, outlining all the necessary steps and initiatives to ensure its high profitability.

Additionally, you'll encounter a marketing strategy, a plan to manage risks, and a filled-out Business Model Canvas.

5. Finances

In conclusion, the "Finances" section offers a detailed overview of the financial aspects and indicators of your project.

business plan grocery store

How to write an Executive Summary for a grocery store?

The Executive Summary is a concise overview of the business plan of your grocery store.

Keep it brief and clear, with a maximum length of 2 pages. Include only the essential elements.

It's the initial section that a financial institution will read when you bring them your business plan. It should make them interested and want to read the rest of the plan.

In the Executive Summary of your grocery store, answer the following questions: what products and services does your grocery store offer? who is your target audience? are there other grocery stores in the area? what makes your store unique? what funding do you need?

How to do the market analysis for a grocery store?

The market study of your grocery store helps you understand external factors such as customer demands for everyday essentials, competition within the retail grocery industry, and emerging trends in grocery shopping experiences.

By conducting a comprehensive market study, a grocery store can understand consumer preferences, offer a wide range of high-quality groceries, optimize pricing strategies, and execute targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately leading to a loyal customer base, increased sales, and a prominent position in the local grocery market.

Here's what we've included in the "Market Research" section of our business plan for a grocery store :

  • figures, data, and statistics related to the grocery store industry, including sales figures, consumer buying habits, and industry competition
  • a list of potential market segments for a grocery store
  • the competitive analysis
  • the competitive advantages for a grocery store

business plan grocery store

The key points of the business plan for a grocery store

What's the business model of a grocery store, business model of a grocery store.

A grocery store's business model revolves around selling a wide range of food and household products to customers. Revenue is generated through product sales, potentially offering additional services such as grocery delivery or loyalty programs.

The business model focuses on providing a diverse selection of products, delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring product quality and freshness, effective marketing to target local shoppers, and building strong customer relationships based on convenience and trust.

Success depends on inventory management, competitive pricing, fostering positive customer experiences and loyalty, and continuously adapting to changing consumer preferences and market trends in the grocery industry.

Business model vs Business plan

Keep in mind that "business plan" and "business model" refer to different concepts.

A business model defines how a company creates, delivers, and monetizes its offerings.

In a business plan, you utilize the Business Model Canvas as a simple yet effective way to describe the way your business functions.

And, of course, there is a Business Model Canvas (already completed) in our business plan for a grocery store .

How do you identify the market segments of a grocery store?

Market segmentation for your grocery store involves dividing your potential customers into different groups based on their grocery needs, shopping preferences, and demographics.

These categories may include factors such as organic and natural products, budget-conscious shoppers, families, or customers seeking specific ethnic or international food items.

By segmenting your market, you can offer a range of grocery products and services that cater to each segment's specific requirements. For example, you might provide a dedicated section for organic and natural products for health-conscious shoppers, offer budget-friendly options and weekly deals for price-conscious customers, create family-friendly areas with kid-friendly products and amenities, or develop sections dedicated to specific cuisines or international food items to cater to customers with diverse culinary preferences.

Market segmentation allows you to effectively target your marketing efforts, optimize your product assortment, and provide a satisfying and convenient grocery shopping experience that meets the unique needs and preferences of each customer segment.

In the business plan for a grocery store , you will find a comprehensive market segmentation that will help you better understand your potential customers.

How to conduct a competitor analysis for a grocery store?

It's evident that you won't be the only grocery store in your area. There are other retailers offering a wide range of food and household products to customers.

Incorporate a thorough examination of your competitors' strengths and weaknesses into your business plan to gain a competitive advantage.

Take note of their weaknesses (such as poor inventory management, inconsistent product quality, or limited organic options).

Why is it crucial to notice these aspects? Because these weaknesses can impact customer satisfaction when shopping at grocery stores.

By focusing on these areas, you can offer a wide range of fresh and high-quality products, provide a clean and organized shopping environment, and deliver excellent customer service, positioning your grocery store as a preferred choice for convenient and enjoyable grocery shopping experiences.

It's what we call competitive advantages—enhancing them is crucial for a standout business.

Here are some examples of competitive advantages for a grocery store: diverse and fresh product selection, competitive pricing, convenient store layout and organization, excellent customer service, reliable and efficient supply chain, loyalty programs and discounts, strong community presence and involvement.

How to draft a SWOT analysis for a supermarket?

A SWOT analysis can help identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, which can be used to develop a plan of action to ensure the success of the grocery store.

As you can guess, there is indeed a completed and editable SWOT matrix in our business plan for a grocery store

The strengths for a grocery store

When we mention the "S" in SWOT, we're talking about Strengths, which are the project's positive attributes.

For a grocery store, potential strengths could include a wide selection of products, competitive pricing, convenience and excellent customer service.

The weaknesses for a grocery store

The letter "W" signifies Weaknesses, which are the weak points of the project that need to be addressed.

For a grocery store, potential weaknesses could include limited product selection, inadequate customer service, high operating costs, and lack of competitive pricing.

The opportunities for a grocery store

The letter "O" in SWOT signifies Opportunities, highlighting the favorable circumstances or chances for the project's growth.

In the case of a grocery store, potential opportunities include offering online ordering and delivery, introducing a loyalty program, introducing new products and services, and creating an app for customers to use.

The threats for a grocery store

The letter "T" in SWOT signifies Threats, highlighting the potential obstacles or harmful factors that the project needs to consider.

How to elaborate a marketing strategy for a supermarket?

Including a marketing strategy in your business plan is important to attract customers and generate revenue.

A supermarket can connect with shoppers by developing an effective marketing plan that emphasizes the supermarket's wide range of groceries, fresh produce, competitive prices, and convenient shopping experience.

Shoppers won't visit your supermarket without effective marketing; showcasing the wide range of products, competitive prices, and convenient shopping experience is necessary.

Are you implementing effective marketing strategies for your supermarket? Consider offering loyalty programs or discounts for frequent shoppers, running targeted advertising campaigns to highlight weekly specials or seasonal promotions, and utilizing social media platforms to engage with customers and share cooking tips or recipes.

Don't stress if marketing and communication feel unfamiliar – professionals are available to assist you.

How to build financial projections for a supermarket?

A successful business plan requires comprehensive financial data in order to accurately forecast future performance.

When constructing your business plan, it is crucial to incorporate revenue projections for your grocery store.

The presence of a relevant and credible revenue forecast is crucial to give your business plan a strong appeal to banks or investors.

Our financial plan for a grocery store is straightforward and equipped with automated checks, enabling you to validate and adjust your assumptions easily. This way, we make sure you're building solid financial projections.

Of course, you will need to create a preliminary budget for your grocery store. Make sure to include every expense (by the way, they are all listed in the financial plan we've made).

By conducting a break-even analysis, you can assess whether your grocery store will generate profits or not.

  • Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
  • Opens in a new window.

Business Plan Template for Grocery Store

Business Plan Template for Grocery Store

Starting a grocery store can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it requires careful planning and strategy. That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Grocery Store comes in handy!

Our comprehensive template is designed specifically for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start a grocery store. With this template, you can outline your goals, operations, financial projections, marketing strategies, and other key details required to attract investors, secure financing, and guide the successful establishment and management of your grocery store.

Take advantage of our template to create a solid business plan that will set you on the path to success. Start planning your grocery store today with ClickUp!

Business Plan Template for Grocery Store Benefits

Starting a grocery store can be a daunting task, but with the Business Plan Template for Grocery Store, you'll have all the tools you need to succeed. Here are just a few benefits of using this template:

  • Clear roadmap: The template provides a structured outline that helps you define your goals, strategies, and operations, ensuring you have a clear roadmap to follow.
  • Investor-friendly: With detailed financial projections and market analysis, the template is designed to attract investors and secure financing for your grocery store.
  • Efficient planning: By using the template, you can save time and effort by leveraging pre-built sections and prompts that guide you through each step of the planning process.
  • Strategic decision-making: The template encourages you to think critically about marketing strategies, competitive analysis, and customer segmentation, enabling you to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

Get started with the Business Plan Template for Grocery Store and pave the way for a successful and thriving grocery store.

Main Elements of Grocery Store Business Plan Template

When it comes to starting a grocery store, having a well-crafted business plan is essential. ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Grocery Store includes:

  • Custom Statuses: Track the progress of your business plan with statuses such as Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
  • Custom Fields: Add important details to your business plan, like references, approval status, and section, using custom fields.
  • Custom Views: Access different views to manage your business plan effectively, including Topics view to organize key areas of your plan, Status view to track progress, Timeline view for visual planning, Business Plan view for a comprehensive overview, and Getting Started Guide view to assist you in using the template effectively.

Start your grocery store journey on the right foot with ClickUp's Business Plan Template.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Grocery Store

If you're starting a grocery store and need a comprehensive business plan, you're in luck! ClickUp has a business plan template specifically tailored for grocery stores. Follow these steps to make the most of it:

1. Define your vision and mission

Before diving into the specifics, it's important to establish a clear vision and mission for your grocery store. This will help guide your decision-making and set the tone for your business. Are you aiming to provide organic and locally sourced products? Or do you want to focus on offering a wide variety of international foods? Clearly defining your vision and mission will help you stay focused on your goals.

Use a Doc in ClickUp to articulate your vision and mission statement.

2. Conduct market research

To create a successful grocery store, you need to understand the market you're entering. Conduct thorough research on the local competition, target audience, and consumer preferences. Identify any gaps in the market and opportunities for differentiation. This will help you tailor your offerings and marketing strategies to meet the needs of your customers.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to organize your market research findings and track key insights.

3. Develop a marketing plan

A well-crafted marketing plan is essential for attracting customers to your grocery store. Determine your target audience and develop strategies to reach them effectively. Consider implementing digital marketing tactics, such as social media advertising and email campaigns, as well as traditional methods like flyers and local partnerships. Your marketing plan should outline your promotional activities, pricing strategies, and how you'll differentiate yourself from competitors.

Create tasks in ClickUp to outline your marketing plan and assign responsibilities to team members.

4. Plan your inventory and suppliers

One of the most vital aspects of running a grocery store is managing your inventory and working with reliable suppliers. Determine the range of products you'll offer, taking into account factors like seasonality, customer preferences, and local demand. Research and establish relationships with suppliers who can consistently provide high-quality products at competitive prices. Your business plan should include a detailed inventory management strategy to ensure you have the right products in stock at all times.

Use custom fields in ClickUp to track your inventory, supplier information, and pricing details.

5. Financial projections and funding

No business plan is complete without financial projections and a funding strategy. Estimate your startup costs, ongoing expenses, and projected revenue to determine the financial feasibility of your grocery store. Consider factors like rent, utilities, staffing, inventory, and marketing expenses. Additionally, outline your funding strategy, whether it's through personal savings, loans, or investors.

Utilize the Dashboards feature in ClickUp to create financial projections and track your progress towards your funding goals.

By following these steps and utilizing the Business Plan Template in ClickUp, you'll have a comprehensive and well-structured plan to guide your journey towards opening and running a successful grocery store.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Grocery Store

Entrepreneurs looking to start a grocery store can use the Business Plan Template for Grocery Store in ClickUp to streamline their planning process and ensure all important aspects are covered.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a comprehensive business plan:

  • Use the Topics View to outline and organize different sections of your business plan, such as Executive Summary, Market Analysis, Operations, Financial Projections, and more
  • The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do
  • Utilize the Timeline View to set deadlines and milestones for completing each section of your business plan
  • The Business Plan View provides a holistic overview of your entire plan, allowing you to easily navigate between sections and make edits
  • Use the Getting Started Guide View to access helpful resources, tips, and instructions on how to effectively use the template
  • Customize the Reference, Approved, and Section custom fields to add additional information and track the status of each section
  • Collaborate with team members, assign tasks, and set reminders to ensure timely completion of your business plan.
  • Business Plan Template for Caterers
  • Business Plan Template for Quorn
  • Business Plan Template for Interior Designers
  • Business Plan Template for Skin Care Specialists
  • Business Plan Template for Sociologists

Template details

Free forever with 100mb storage.

Free training & 24-hours support

Serious about security & privacy

Highest levels of uptime the last 12 months

  • Product Roadmap
  • Affiliate & Referrals
  • On-Demand Demo
  • Integrations
  • Consultants
  • Gantt Chart
  • Native Time Tracking
  • Automations
  • Kanban Board
  • vs Airtable
  • vs Basecamp
  • vs MS Project
  • vs Smartsheet
  • Software Team Hub
  • PM Software Guide

Google Play Store

  • Latest articles
  • Sales & distribution
  • Success stories
  • GST updates
  • Distribution

Grocery store business plan: How to start a grocery store?

  • November 10, 2023 February 16, 2024
  • by Raghav Krishna

How to start a grocery store?

India’s retail industry has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the past few decades. Even though the country’s organized retail sector is only 10% of the total industry, its growth is estimated to reach $2 trillion by 2032. This growth has been mainly influenced by the increase in consumer purchases in organized retail businesses like grocery stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and more. The change in consumers’ preferences towards health, convenience, and value has mainly driven the growth of these businesses.

A few years ago, the majority of Indian consumers procured most of their monthly needs in local open-air markets called “mandi.” Recently, consumers started purchasing their monthly, weekly, or daily requirements in the local grocery stores. These grocery stores provide more convenience to consumers than local mandis, like quick billing, home deliveries, different payment modes, and more.

There are currently more than 12 million grocery retail outlets in India. Opening a grocery store in this competitive environment may look difficult, but there is space for new startups. This blog can help you understand how grocery stores differ from other businesses and how you can start such a business to fit the available space and run it successfully.

What is a grocery store?

A grocery store is a neighborhood store that sells mostly groceries and household items. Grocery stores are smaller retail spaces in which customers mainly shop for daily essentials. These stores are mostly run as family businesses and have been maintained for generations in some countries. These stores’ appearance and functionality vary based on different factors like target audience, locality, competition, and much more. Sometimes, these grocery stores will have the potential to become larger retail spaces called supermarkets.

Even though grocery stores are completely different from other retail businesses, supermarkets are the only businesses that have some resemblance to a grocery store. There are five major differences between these businesses that you should understand to get a complete idea of the grocery store business.

Major differences between a grocery store and a supermarket

Grocery stores are smaller compared to supermarkets, and they are easier to maintain.

A grocery store focuses on selling groceries and household items, but a supermarket focuses on groceries, household items, utensils, electronics, frozen foods, and much more.

Grocery stores are mostly family-run businesses, but supermarkets require multiple staff members with broader knowledge to guide customers.

Counter tills

Grocery stores may have a maximum of two counters, but supermarkets have multiple counters to manage customer footfall.

How to start a grocery store

To create a grocery store business model, there are 10 multifaceted steps to follow.

How to start a grocery store business?

Business plan

To prepare a proper business plan for your grocery store, you need to consider some factors.

Store type: Is it an ordinary brick-and-mortar store, or is it going to be a hybrid store with both offline and online sales? The answer to this question will help you initiate the business plan.

Target audience: Who is your target audience? Are they from urban or rural areas? Are they working professionals or larger families? This will help you define the goals of your business.

Competitor analysis: Who are your direct and indirect competitors? What strategies do they follow? How can you make your store unique? With these answers, you can define a strategy for your business.

Value proposition: A proper value proposition will help you stand out from others. Define your value proposition in the business plan. For example, if you add value to your customers by offering free home delivery beyond a certain order value.

Operational plan: This relates to your business’s opening and closing times and the personnel required to run the store effectively. It should also have specific information about how you want the business to run on a daily basis.

Financial plan: Create a plan for generating revenue from the business including the capital required for starting the business.

By considering all these factors, you can create a complete grocery store business plan.

Store location

If you want to reach the right audience for your business, you need to be in the right location. Grocery stores are usually located in residential areas of a city or town, so customers can easily reach them for quick shopping trips for essentials.

An optimum location would be near department stores, restaurants, and banks that people would frequently visit. Choosing the right location for a grocery store is a far-reaching process, so you should start searching for the location in the earlier stages of planning your grocery business.

Legal compliance and registration

You need a proper license and permits to run your grocery store. Obtaining proper license and permit documents will help you give your customers a sense of confidence in your business. You need to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, like consumer protection, food safety, and business operations. For example, to start a grocery business in India you need to obtain these documents:

  • Registration as a sole proprietorship, partnership, private limited company, one-person company, or limited liability company (LLC) based on its nature.
  • Contract of lease (if one is leasing or renting the retail space).
  • A trade license from the municipality. (Note: it needs to be renewed every year between January 1 and March 31.)
  • Registration under the Shop and Establishment Act of 1953.
  • An FSSAI license to sell food products. (Note: It needs to be renewed every five years.)
  • TAN, GST, and other tax-related registrations.
  • Permits for advertisements from the municipality.
  • Commercial vehicle registration (if you are planning to use motor vehicles for your business for things like home deliveries).

Renting or owning the space

Renting or owning a retail space mainly depends on the budget of your business. As the first step, identify your square footage requirement and set your budget. Once the budget is fixed, decide whether you want to lease or own the retail space.

Leasing or owning a retail space has its own pros and cons. Leasing a retail space will leave you with less responsibility over the property and a smaller commitment both in terms of time and money, but at the same time, you will have less control over the space. On the other hand, buying a retail space can give you full control over the space, but at the same time, it requires a big investment upfront. Once decided, look for potential properties online or with the help of a broker in your selected location.

Evaluate the retail space by considering factors like the size, visibility to consumers, alteration requirements, existing amenities, and parking facilities. Based on your requirements, you can finalize the retail space and work on your leasing agreement (if you plan to rent the space). Use your negotiating prowess to draft a favorable lease agreement with low rent and a long lease period. Before signing anything, check it thoroughly with the help of an attorney.

Proper equipment

Even with a proper grocery store business plan, you can’t run a grocery store without procuring the necessary equipment. Some of the necessary equipment includes:

  • Shopping baskets
  • Display cases
  • Cash drawers
  • Weighing scales
  • Barcode scanners
  • Printers and labeling machines
  • Lighting and ventilation machines
  • Refrigeration units
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Freezer units

Select the right billing software that can be easily integrated with your barcode scanners to generate barcodes for selling your repacked or own-branded items in the store. Safety is a top priority, so apart from this basic equipment, you should also consider investing in security cameras, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors to ensure the safety of both you and your customers.

How to start a grocery store business?

Build relationships

As a grocery store owner, you need to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, like suppliers, wholesalers, and sometimes manufacturers, and build a strong relationship with them. A strong relationship requires transparency, on-time payments, frequent communication, flexible payment terms, and mutual respect. It will lead to increased productivity, on-time deliveries, a longer credit period, improved efficiency, improved product quality, and your business becoming more resilient. Choosing the right supply chain management system can also strengthen these relationships with the help of data-driven reordering systems.

Stock and shelving

Once your retail space has the necessary equipment, you can stock your shelves with the right inventory. You know your audience, so fill your inventory with items that fulfill their needs. For example, if your target audience likes organic foods, fill your shelves with organic fruits and vegetables.

Maintaining your inventory in real-time is an exhausting task and invites a lot of human errors. Choose the right ERP software with a proper inventory management system that can help you perform quick stock audits in real time and avoid human errors. Once you stock your inventory, arrange the products with efficient shelf management. Proper shelf management can be achieved by following some basic strategies.

Product placement: Want to increase sales of a particular item or brand? Place them at the average customer’s eye level to increase the probability of buyers choosing them over other products. With the right product placement, you can also create an opportunity to cross-sell items. For example, placing a biryani rice package next to a biryani masala mix can influence sales.

Category management: Placing products from particular categories in the same place and segmenting them based on colors, brands, price, and type will make it easier for the customer to identify and choose products from the category. For example, placing all the personal care products in one place and segmenting them based on price and premium.

You can use these strategies to utilize your shelf space effectively and enjoy benefits like increased sales, better customer satisfaction, and improved workforce efficiency.

You can provide competitive pricing for your grocery store by analyzing the pricing strategies followed by your neighborhood stores. It also depends on the sales of your groceries and your bargaining prowess with wholesalers and manufacturers. Some pricing strategies can attract more customers. For example, you can mark up the price of seasonal products marginally and sell them with offers and discounts at a profit. This strategy will attract more customers to your store and drive more sales. With the help of loyalty management systems , you can create seasonal offers like these and larger loyalty programs to retain your customers.

For premium products, you can use a psychological pricing strategy to create a perception of a low price. For example, pricing a product at 199 rupees instead of 200 can boost the sale of the product. Pricing your product is not a one-time decision; it is a continuous process. Changing market conditions and your target audience’s preferences influence your pricing decisions. Always be aware of changing market conditions and identify opportunities for growth.

Even though grocery store businesses are mostly family-run businesses, you may require one or two staff members for assistance. However, these staff members need to have adequate sales knowledge, good communication skills, and the ability to learn technology. Hire experienced staff who need little training. You can’t train staff and run a store at the same time. In these situations, choosing an easy to use billing and inventory management system will make sure your staff can handle all the operations without your presence and with minimal training.

You should also look for a cultural fit because customers can easily interact with people they can relate to. Your best option would be to hire someone from the same region. More so, if you are running a grocery store in a metropolitan city, you can expect customers from multiple linguistic groups. Hire staff that can speak the regional language and also understand English to guide your customers without you. Hiring the right staff will help you save a lot of time and money, which can be invested back into your business.

Promote your brand

Once everything is ready, you should start penetrating the market. You should begin by capturing a place in your target audience’s mind. Decide on your brand name and logo before planning your advertisements. Start with word-of-mouth advertising with the help of your friends and share flyers in your neighborhood apartment communities, schools, and housing units to promote your store.

Leverage the power of the internet and use different mediums to market your brand. As a first step, add your store to Google My Business for customers to locate your store easily. Create a social media page and website to promote your brand and advertise your offers, promotions, and discounts through these mediums. Ask the in-store customers to visit the website and social media pages and make them enroll so you can send them marketing campaigns later. You can also create referral programs to use existing customers to acquire new ones.

By following this 10-step process, you can start a grocery store business. However, when it comes to running the store, you need proper assistance from the right software to manage your business successfully.

Best software to manage your business successfully

You need a proper ERP system to manage your billing, accounting, inventory, supply chain, marketing, customer management, and other operations. An ERP software should help you track your inventory in real time , set multiple pricing for different customers and channels, maintain large supplier data, track supplier performance, facilitate omnichannel selling, offer 24/7 customer support, and be easily managed by your whole staff despite their skill level.

Want to learn more about ERP systems? Click here to book a free consultation and start your grocery store business journey with the Gofrugal ERP solution.

Click here to start your grocery business with the right ERP solution

PlanBuildr Logo

Grocery Store Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Business Plan Outline

  • Grocery Store Business Plan Home
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Company Overview
  • 3. Industry Analysis
  • 4. Customer Analysis
  • 5. Competitive Analysis
  • 6. Marketing Plan
  • 7. Operations Plan
  • 8. Management Team
  • 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Grocery Store Plan Here

Grocery Store Company Overview

Who is freshley’s grocery store.

Freshley’s Grocery Store will be a neighborhood grocery store in Des Moines, Iowa. Freshley’s will carry an array of meat, poultry, seafood, fruits, vegetables, frozen foods, deli items, dairy products and boxed groceries. Freshley’s will be located in an area of town where there are no other “big box” retail grocery franchises and the majority of residents rely on obtaining their groceries from several small specialty stores or local farmers.

Freshley’s will be selling fresh meat, poultry, and dairy products from local Iowa farms and has a contract in place with other food distributors for items such as rice, beans, soups, and perishable groceries. Pricing will be on par with competitive national grocery chains and they will run monthly and weekly specials on select food items. Freshley’s Grocery Store will also offer a membership club for frequent visitors to redeem points for discounted items.

Freshley’s Grocery Store History

Freshley’s Grocery Store will be owned and operated by Dan and Jan Walters, both natives of Des Moines and highly experienced in sourcing meat and produce from local farms. Dan and Jan have spent the last five years working at three local farms to package their products and sell them at local farmers markets. The demand has steadily increased as more and more residents are moving to Des Moines and the married couple noticed that they were selling out of all the products at the farmers market. As more and more people didn’t get a chance to purchase the meat and dairy products from the farmers market, they had to visit the farm themselves to get the food. Dan and Jan decided to venture into the grocery business and open up a retail store in town to sell the fresh meat, poultry, and dairy products from the local farms. They also contacted a grocery distributor to provide perishable items not typically sourced from farms.

Since incorporation, Freshley’s Grocery Store has achieved the following milestones:

  • Located the store location and signed a Letter of Intent with the property management company.
  • Registered Freshley’s Grocery, LLC to do business in the state of Iowa.
  • Contacted a national grocery distributor to provide grocery items from such as Kellogg’s, Kraft, Campbell’s, etc.
  • Have three contracts in place with local farms to sell their meat, poultry, farm-fresh produce, and dairy products.

Freshley’s Grocery Store Products

Freshley’s Grocery Store will sell the following products:

  • Meat & Seafood
  • Bread & Bakery Items
  • Dairy, Eggs & Cheese
  • Frozen Foods
  • Wine, Beer & Spirits
  • Cookies, Snacks & Candy
  • Breakfast & Cereal
  • Canned Goods & Soups
  • Condiments & Spices
  • Grains, Pastas & Sides
  • Business Plans Handbook
  • Business Plans - Volume 09
  • Grocery Store Business Plan

Grocery Store

Grocery Store 284

BUSINESS PLAN     VIKING GROCERY STORES

3816 South Johnson Street Springfield, Missouri 65802

This business plan is prepared to obtain joint financing in the amount of $2,746,000, to begin work on site preparation and modifications, purchase equipment, and to cover expenses in the first year of operations. We are seeking joint financing from our local Economic Development Fund.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Company summary, market analysis summary, strategy & implementation summary, management summary, financial plan.

Viking Grocery Stores–Springfield, will be located in the old Lloyd building, located at 3816 South Johnson Street, in the heart of Springfield, Missouri. This business plan is prepared to obtain joint financing in the amount of $2,746,000, to begin work on site preparation and modifications, purchase equipment, and to cover expenses in the first year of operations. We are seeking joint financing from our local Economic Development Fund.

Viking Stores–Springfield, will be incorporated initially as a corporation. This will shield the owners and all other investors from issues of personal liability. The investors will be treated as shareholders and therefore will not be liable for more than their personal investment. Owner Jones Stewart will contribute $70,000 ($20,000 in sweat equity and $50,000 in cash) towards this business venture.

The financing, in addition to the capital contributions from the owner and shareholders, will allow our store to successfully open and maintain operations through the year. A large initial capital investment will allow our store to provide its customers with a fully featured grocery store. A unique, upscale, and innovative environment is required to provide the customer with an atmosphere that will inspire continued use. The successful operation of year one will provide our store with customers that will allow it to be self-sufficient in year two.

The Viking Store concept, as shown in our plan, has an excellent profitability level and growth rate. Our competitive edge, along with new retail techniques and technology, puts our store in the forefront of the retailing of perishable and nonperishable consumer goods. We are living in an age where unique grocery store environments are in great demand. Our store will differ from the traditional grocery store because of our added personal touch.

As a leading wholesale distributor, our commitment is to provide quality products and services in a cost-effective manner, enabling Viking retailers to excel in serving their customers. If you're interested in being supplied by Viking Stores, Inc., the initial, minimum objectives are:

  • A clean environment in which to shop
  • A safe place to shop
  • Great, friendly service
  • Our shop will be good neighbors and will be involved in the community
  • Our store will be at least 25,000 square feet
  • Store will have minimum weekly retail sales of $75,000 which is equivalent to approximately $35,000 of purchases weekly at the wholesale level
  • Generate capital by leasing remaining space to two other business tenants

Our most fundamental philosophy is the concern for people. This strong belief in people is the determining factor that motivates our operations in developing our relationship with our employees and customers.

We believe that our responsibility for customer satisfaction is not focused solely on the sale of a product, but rather is the total relationship a customer experiences when interacting with our organization. We believe in honesty and truth in all transactions and in providing products of the highest quality and at fair prices. We should do everything possible to provide outstanding service in marketing the products we sell.

Our philosophy of concern for people gives our Viking Store the drive to be a good corporate citizen. We believe we have a responsibility to be a good neighbor in maintaining our property in first-class condition and by making the appearance of our plant, facilities, equipment, and grounds as attractive as possible, making them an asset to the communities that support our company.

We at Viking Store of Springfield, are committed to bringing you the best all-around shopping experience. Our nice pledge campaign includes an intense training session for all of our employees, and a firm understanding and commitment to deliver these pledge points at the Viking Store in Springfield, Missouri.

Advantage of Selling Viking Brands

  • Viking Stores' commitment to quality over the years has strengthened the integrity of the Viking brand. Most private labels can't hold a candle to the quality of Viking products.
  • Viking Stores, Inc., regularly evaluates and audits the Viking product mix to keep variety consistent with consumer wants and needs.
  • An extensive line of over 2,000 Viking products can be sold throughout your store— from the produce department to the health and beauty care aisle.
  • An overwhelming acceptance of products bearing the Viking name has made this brand one of the top sellers in the Midwest. An established loyalty among customers keeps them buying Viking brands.
  • Offers customers a double-your-money-back guarantee which encourages them to buy with confidence.
  • Allows the retail store to be part of a community contribution program. This program also promotes loyalty for Viking brand products.

Viking Grocery Stores–Springfield will be part of Viking Stores, Inc., a premier regional grocery/drugstore retailer and wholesale distributor based in Kansas City, Missouri. As a result of five acquisitions since 1999, Viking Stores, Inc., now owns and operates 113 supermarkets and 21 drugstores throughout Missouri and Illinois.

Viking Stores, Inc., also distributes more than 40,000 private label and national brand products to more than 325 independently owned grocery stores in Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas and serves as wholesale distributor to 8,700 convenience stores in nine states throughout the Midwest.

Company History

At the end of 1917, a group of independent grocers discussed forming a cooperative to create buying power for group members. In early 1918, 27 members incorporated the Kansas City Grocery Company, a name it kept until 1954 when the company became Viking Stores, Inc., In 1959, the company produced its first private-label Viking brand product—coffee.

Although the company changed its cooperative status to "for profit status" in the early 1970s, the publicly held company did not become publicly traded on the NASDAQ until August 2000 following Viking Stores' merger with Morgan Food Town in St. Louis, Missouri. For the fiscal year ending March 25, 2000, Viking Stores and Morgan Food Town had combined revenues of $3.8 billion, $1.2 billion of which was retail grocery sales.

Company Ownership

The Viking Store–Springfield will be a corporation. Currently it will be owned and operated by Jones Stewart and his investors.

We have located the ideal location for our operation. Our store will be located at 3816 South Johnson Street, Springfield, Missouri.

This site will contribute to our success due to being formally used as a grocery store.

Also a real estate company, Viking Stores' Market Space Corporation is in business to offer buildings and properties for sale or lease. Their buildings can be converted to meet various business needs and offer prime locations and ample parking. Throughout Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois, they have existing improved properties as well as outparcels and land for sale. Market Space Corporation can provide demographic information on their locations to expedite any purchase transactions. Leasing is also an option. Both stand-alone buildings and tenant space within buildings where others businesses operate can be leased. Examples would include strip malls housing such operations as dry cleaners, video stores, hair salons, pizza shops, etc.

Hours of Operation

Store hours will be 7 days a week from 10:00 A.M. until 10:00 P.M. Checks and all major credit cards will be accepted. A food stamp policy along with other policies will be in place.

Start-up Summary

Start-up costs will be financed through a combination of owner investment, short-term loans, and long-term borrowing. The start-up chart shows the distribution of financing.

Start-up Plan

Grocery Store

The store will sell over 40,000 private label and national brand products to the community.

By household size, grocery spending ranges from an average of $51 per week in one-person households to $130 per week in households of five or more. Per-person spending is inversely correlated with household size: per-person weekly expenditures are only $23 in households with five or more members but $35 in one-person homes, according to the the Food Marketing Institute.

To make our advertising and printing dollars work their smartest, we need a team that will work its hardest. The Viking Creative Services Department is ready to meet those needs by providing everything from concepts and design to printing and signage. They are experts in the process of creating and printing advertising, brochures, newsletters, business forms, stationery/business cards, P.O.S. materials, screen-printed clothing/merchandise, and weekly 4-color grocery insert mailers/circulars. Whether we need a bag stuffer, a new logo, billboard advertising, radio spots, TV commercials, or a video, their creative and professional team of associates and state-of-the-art printing equipment offer customers high-quality products in a timely and efficient manner.

Market Segmentation

Seventy-three percent of our shoppers are female head of the households, 11 percent are male head of the households, 15 percent are both and 1 percent are other. Household Income: Average weekly household spending ranges from $68 for shoppers earning under $15,000 to $118 for those earning more than $75,000 per year. Spending on groceries at the consumer's primary store also increases with income from $57 per week for those families earning $15,000 or less per year to $95 per week for those earning over $75,000.

Target Market Segment Strategy

Our store will meet the grocery needs of the surrounding neighborhood of female or male head of households earning $15,000 per year or more.

We will reach our consumers by taking full advantage of Viking Stores' single clearinghouse for manufacturers' coupons, Viking and manufacturers' in-ad coupons, and warehouse damage coupons. Our redemption programs will include Viking gift certificates, selling-show vouchers, and mail-in rebates. Other services include the Viking Gift Certificate program, inad coupon redemption, and scan-down service to manufacturers and brokers.

Technology: Electronic Marketing

Viking is committed to keeping up with technology changes, thereby gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. Computers and other information systems are integrated to provide management information and time-saving tools.

These include:

  • E-mail systems
  • Standard accounting software
  • Computer-based training

Support is always available to answer system and software development questions, or provide programming solutions as new industry developments appear.

To support our retail store(s), electronic marketing allows us to access complete data analysis and marketing services. These services include data storage, strategic planning/consultation, sourcing for card/key tag manufacturing, custom marketing program development, promotions and campaigns, electronic marketing training and education, retailer-specific data analysis, and support of third-party programs.

Building store traffic, generating consumer excitement, accelerating sales and profits, and positioning our store competitively in the market will be relatively simplified by the use of the Sales Promotions Department at Vikings. By combining their purchasing programs with trendsetting insight, Viking has created over 100 profit-generating retail promotions each year. Viking retailers select those promotions that best meet their unique marketing needs. Backed by TV spots, circulars, P.O.S. materials, sweepstakes and more, this promotional activity is key to our retail success.

We will also promote our store using information gathered from our Mystery Shopper Program. This program was developed to provide monthly feedback to owners and managers on the status and condition of the stores. The program focuses on these major areas:

  • Internal and external store appearance
  • Product availability
  • Point-of-purchase materials
  • Food service
  • Most importantly, the quality of service received at the register

Each store is visited by a mystery shopper once a month, making sure that all shifts are experienced at least twice a year. Employees are eligible to earn cash incentives and top stores are honored with awards quarterly.

In order to portray the professional image that Viking Stores' customers have come to expect, a selection of uniforms are available. Uniform requirements are facilitated with the use of a contracted distribution and laundry service.

Industry Analysis

According to FMI United States regional average weekly household spending in 1999 was fairly equal across regions, with shoppers in the Midwest spending $83; the South, $83; the East, $98; and the West, $92 per week.

As a progressive leader in the food distribution industry, Viking Stores, Inc., based in Kansas City, Missouri, owns and operates 113 supermarkets and drugstores in Missouri and Illinois under the Ames' Markets, Family Supermarkets, Food Fair, Gordon's Markets, Sunshine Markets, and The Bond banners. Under the direction of corporate leadership and a Board of Directors, Viking Stores, Inc., will continue to foster innovation and support and promote growth of the company to ensure its success.

Sales for Viking Stores' retail grocery segment increased 59.1 percent to $148 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2001, reflecting additional sales from the acquisition of 23 Gordon's Markets and three Sunshine Markets in fiscal 2000. Comparable store sales increased approximately 4.4 percent in the first quarter, primarily because of the company's promotional programs and continued emphasis on product-line expansion.

Grocery distribution segment sales for the quarter declined 2.5 percent to $360 million from $369.3 million for fiscal 2000. Convenience store distribution sales also declined 1.8 percent to $211.5 from $215.4 million. Sales declines in both distribution segments were associated principally with the elimination of intercompany sales for Gordon's Markets and Sunshine Markets.

Gross margin for the quarter widened to 13.1 percent from 12.2 percent, reflecting the higher margins associated with the retail grocery operations acquired in fiscal 2000.

"We are very pleased to begin fiscal 2001 with solid profitability," said William Miller, Viking Stores' President and Chief Executive Officer. "Excluding non-recurring items, this represents the second consecutive quarter of earnings improvement. We are very committed to our retail strategy and believe the approach is beginning to show meaningful results. As we continue integrating our retail acquisitions and bring their performance to optimal levels through enriched promotional programs and expanding product lines, we expect financial profitability to accelerate."

Mr. Miller stated, "Earlier this week, St. Louis, Missouri-based Morgan Food Town shareholders approved the previously announced merger with Viking Stores. Our shareholders also approved certain changes to Viking Stores' charter which were necessary to complete the merger. We are very pleased to welcome Morgan Food Town into Viking Stores rapidly growing retail operations. Adding Morgan's 73 supermarkets and deep-discount drugstores more than doubles our retail store base to 113, gives us a well respected regional name, and significant presence in the greater St. Louis market. The merger represents a significant step forward in our strategic plan to become a major regional retail grocery operator."

Competition

Marketed at a lower shelf price than national brands, Viking brand products give Viking retailers a competitive advantage. Viking Stores backs Viking brands with year-round promotional support including a big fall and early spring sale.

The store will be in walking distance of area shoppers, whereas the next nearest grocery store is two to three miles from our store location.

Viking will help us grow and develop our store. Building a new store or undergoing expansion can be a tremendous challenge for retailers, especially when trying to run a business at the same time. Viking store development services include everything from securing real estate and financing to construction and decor. It's another area in which Viking helps retailers solidify strong market positions.

In addition to our store will be space available for two other retail establishments.

Competitive Edge

Viking provides a service which helps us manage the information related to our retail business more effectively. Viking Stores, Inc., offers us the complete integration of pricing, promotions, scanning, receiving, and electronic payment systems, including EBT and human resource functions at store and corporate levels. Their commitment to putting retailers in the fast lane with state-of-the-art, point-of-sale technology keeps us on the leading edge.

Sales Strategy

Our store will sell mostly the Viking store brand instead of the national brands. We feel this is a growing trend amongst shoppers.

Purchases of store or lower-priced brands, instead of national brands, decreased with slightly more than one in ten consumers (15 percent) doing so "pretty much every time" they shop— down three percentage points from 1991. Over half of consumers (52 percent) are doing so "every time" or "fairly often" when they shop. Almost one in four (22 percent) of larger households (five or more members) report purchasing store brands "every time" they shop and almost as many (18 percent) with annual incomes under $15,000 said they buy store brands "every time" they shop according to FMI.

Sales Forecast and Additional Income

The following table gives a run-down on forecasted sales and income. Our sales are based on the industry standard of $11.17 per square foot (store size: 25,000 square feet) for our weekly sales estimate. We expect our sales to grow at least 1 percent per new store brand item added to our product line for a total of 10 percent per year. We also expect to cut cost approximately 10 percent a year through bartering and other means of relationship building.

The remaining 25,000 net square footage not being used for the grocery store will be leased to the public at $4 a square foot.

Grocery Store

Warehousing and Transportation

Purchasing from suppliers throughout the world, Viking Stores warehouses over 40,000 products in St. Louis, Illinois, Kansas City, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Supplying nearly 500 stores with these quality products at the lowest cost can only be achieved through a proficient distribution system. Viking Stores' state-of-the-art facilities combine manual labor with mechanical technology for optimum efficiency. Viking Stores' streamlined warehouse operations and sophisticated systems expedite product flow and reduce costs in procurement, inventory control and labor.

Today, Viking Stores, Inc., Transportation has two locations, one based in Kansas City, the other in Tulsa. Its combined fleet of 245 full-time drivers travel over 12.5 million miles per year. They utilize 116 tractors, 193 dry van trailers, and 176 refrigerated trailers. In a typical week, they average 2,397 delivery stops, delivering between 28 and 33 million pounds of product. Viking Stores' routing department builds 1,234 truckloads of product per week with an average load size of 25,000-28,000 pounds. Viking Stores Transportation utilizes the latest computer technology including the TRUCKS Routing System, CADEC on-board computers, and the Maintenance Control and Management System.

Much has changed over the years in the transportation system at Viking Stores including the fleet design, safety, and performance of the vehicles used in transporting product. Associated Markets' trucks of the 1940s, not much more than delivery vans, used to service the company's customers. For years, Viking used Delivery Line to carry its groceries, while it had its own drivers (about 20 in 1965) to haul perishables. The truck used was an early 1950s model with a 30-foot trailer.

Viking started its own transportation department in 1967, the same year that many Delivery drivers lost their jobs during a labor dispute. Viking hired many of these drivers. Four people in routing, two in dispatch, and 75 drivers hit the road. The Viking tractor/trailer (40-footer) was one of the first owned outright by Viking Stores.

The trailer of the 1980s and 1990s was the 50-footer, more than twice the size of the Associated Market's trucks of the 1940s. It was nationally recognized for its safety-conscious design. Viking Stores, Inc., has been praised for having one of the most cost-effective fleets anywhere. In 1989, a complex computer program called TRUCKS was used to organize each and every trailer load of product. It could route 100 loads in less than 5 minutes. Viking Stores' transportation fleet also became involved in backhauling activities.

People are our most valuable asset and Viking Stores' ProActive Consulting Services provides a complete line of human resource services designed to help us develop the greatest potential from our associates. The people we employ are also a major investment in our company. It is their goal to help us fully capitalize on this investment. Viking Stores' staff is highly experienced in the retail supermarket industry and familiar with its unique problems and opportunities.

Our store will hire one Manager, one Assistant Manager, four Cashiers, four Laborers/ Stockers, and four Administrative Workers. Our Store Manager will have a college degree and several years of experience with managing a retail store.

Personnel Plan

The personnel plan is included in the following table. It shows the Manager's hourly pay, followed by that of the rest of the staff. Each of these positions will overlap to make sure the customers are receiving excellent customer service and that adequate help is on hand.

Grocery Store

Viking stores prides itself on being in touch with the financial side of the business at all times. This starts with our budgeting program that sets sales goals, establishes payroll budgets, and creates criteria for gross margin, shrink, expenses, and profit. Exception reporting directs operations in the right direction, saving time, and measuring results.

We will manage and grow our store with a full range of financial services that include five-year financial planning, business valuations, estate planning, buying/selling a store, and financing assistance. Viking will save us valuable time and money plus the headaches and worry often associated with complex money matters.

From Viking, we will receive a complete portfolio of financial, accounting, and payroll services, including comparative operating statements, bank reconciliations, sales tax returns, payroll tax returns, periodic and operational review, cash flows, break-even analyses, financial projections, wages, taxes, deductions, check printing, and deposit advice. It is these kinds of thorough information and accurate recordkeeping that allow Viking retailers to make sound business decisions for the future.

Important Assumptions

We do not sell anything on credit.

Grocery Store

Break-even Analysis

By using a conservative markup of 50 percent, we will have to sell $120,000 worth of goods to break even. A break-even analysis table has been completed on the basis of average costs/ prices.

Grocery Store

Projected Profit and Loss

We predict consulting and accounting costs will go down in the next three years. Normally, a start-up concern will operate with negative profits through the first two years. We will avoid that kind of operating loss by knowing our competitiors and our target markets.

Grocery Store

Projected Cash Flow

We are positioning ourselves in the market as a medium risk concern with steady cash flows. Accounts payable is paid at the end of each month while sales are in cash, giving the Viking Store–Springfield an excellent cash structure.

Grocery Store

Projected Balance Sheet

All of our tables will be updated monthly to reflect past performance and future assumptions. Future assumptions will not be based on past performance but rather on economic cycle activity, regional industry strength, and future cash flow possibilities. We expect solid growth in net worth beyond the year 2002.

Grocery Store

Sales Forecast

Grocery Store

General Assumptions

Grocery Store

Profit and Loss (Income Statement)

Grocery Store

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:.

  • Policy Statements
  • Job Listings
  • Year in Review
  • Latest News
  • Press Credentials
  • Voice of The Food Industry Blog
  • Top Sellers
  • How to Place an Order
  • Asset Protection and Grocery Resilience Conference
  • Biotechnology Vocabulary
  • Biotechnology Frequently Asked Questions
  • Bioengineering aka GMO
  • Gene Editing
  • The FoodKeeper
  • Sustainability
  • Crisis Management
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Feeding Assistance Toolkit
  • White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health
  • Food Price Inflation
  • UPC Random Weight Perishables
  • FreshForward
  • Food for Health
  • Independent Operator
  • Product Code Dating
  • GMO Labeling
  • Labor & Employment
  • Omnichannel
  • SmartLabel® Implementation Recommendations
  • Supplier Diversity
  • Supply Chain Forum
  • MarkeTechnics
  • Supermarket Employee Day
  • Store Manager Awards
  • Grocery Store Chains Net Profit
  • Average Total Store Size – Square Feet
  • Food Retailing Industry Speaks
  • Supermarket Anniversary Facts
  • Food Industry Glossary
  • U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends
  • The Evolving Grocery Experience
  • Conferences
  • Digital Seminars
  • On-Demand Learning
  • College and University Programs
  • Future Leaders eXperience
  • Food Retail Leader Certificate
  • Retail Management Certificate
  • Food Safety News
  • Backgrounders
  • SafeMark Food Safety Training
  • Safe Quality Food Institute
  • Partnership For Food Safety Education
  • Food Protection Committee Portal
  • FSMA Resource Center
  • Traceability Rule
  • Priority Issues
  • Issue Papers
  • State Associations
  • Government Relations Newsletters
  • FoodPAC and FMI LEAD Fund
  • Government Relations Staff
  • Voting Resources
  • Advocacy Center
  • FMI v. Argus Leader
  • Newsletters
  • Directories
  • Executive Leadership Awards
  • Share Groups
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • FMI Foundation
  • Family Meals
  • Sponsorships & Advertising
  • Best Practices
  • Asset Protection
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Food Safety
  • Fresh Foods
  • Government Relations
  • Health and Well-being
  • Private Brands
  • Retail Operations
  • Supply Chain

Stay Connected

Navigating and exploring 2024 grocery retail innovation trends.

Technology innovation app

By: Doug Baker, Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI

In the ever-evolving grocery retail landscape, 2024 promises to be a year of groundbreaking innovations that reshape how consumers shop, and businesses operate. At the recent FMI Midwinter Executive Conference , the FMItech Friday session immersed participants in the dynamic world of the food and beverage industry offering valuable insights from Plug and Play , an early-stage venture capital and global innovation platform.

"It was exciting to see so many leaders across Grocery, CPG, and Supply Chain discussing how the industry will evolve according to technological advancements like AI as well as consumer needs like customer safety and supply chain transparency. We are seeing innovative startups emerging in these segments and are excited for the partnerships that will start forming," said Alex Davisson, Plug and Play Ventures Associate.

At the forefront of this revolution is integrating omnichannel strategies driven by technologies such as beacon sensors, connected products and advanced order fulfillment systems. These small, low-energy devices communicate with smartphones, guiding shoppers through the store and offering personalized promotions. Additionally, connected products with smart labels and RFID technology provide real-time information about freshness and sourcing, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Efficient Order Fulfillment: Streamlining the Supply Chain

The demand for faster and more efficient order fulfillment has led to the adoption of advanced technologies. Automated warehouses with robotics and artificial intelligence ensure accurate and swift packing and dispatching of orders. This reduces operational costs and enhances customer satisfaction through timely deliveries.

Personalization: Catering to Consumer Preferences and Health Trends

The future of grocery retail lies in personalization. Retailers are harnessing consumer data to tailor shopping experiences. From customized promotions to curated product recommendations, personalization is becoming a key driver of customer loyalty. Focusing on healthy living has prompted retailers to offer personalized nutritional guidance, creating a symbiotic relationship between consumers and their chosen grocery stores.

Phygital Shopping Experience: Blurring the Lines Between Physical and Digital

The fusion of physical and digital shopping experiences, known as "phygital," is gaining momentum. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are being employed to enhance the in-store experience, allowing customers to virtually try out products before purchasing. This innovative approach not only engages shoppers but also bridges the gap between online and offline retail environments.

Employee Enablement: Electronic Shelving, Robotics, and Handheld Devices

Empowering employees with cutting-edge technology is another crucial trend in 2024. Electronic shelving systems assist in inventory management, ensuring products are easily located and restocked. Robotics handle repetitive tasks, freeing up human resources for more value-added activities. Handheld devices with real-time data enable staff to provide better customer assistance and streamline operations.

Retaining Flow: Self-Checkout, CCTV Tracking, and Biometric Access

Seamless and secure checkout experiences are a priority for grocery retailers. Self-checkout options offer convenience and speed to customers. CCTV tracking and biometric access systems enhance security measures, to ensure a safe shopping environment and maintain a smooth flow of customers through the store.

Sustainability: Waste Reduction, Branding, and Traceability

Grocery retailers are embracing sustainability initiatives with strategies including waste reduction through intelligent inventory management, eco-friendly branding practices and enhanced traceability to ensure product sourcing transparency. These efforts align with consumer values and contribute to a positive brand image.

A convergence of innovative technologies marks the grocery retail landscape in 2024 to enhance the overall shopping experience, promote sustainability and empower customers and employees. As the industry continues to evolve, those who embrace these trends will undoubtedly thrive in the competitive market.

As a resource exclusive for helping FMI members find technology partners, the FMItech Directory provides a comprehensive partner and supplier list focused on technology for automation strategies, e-commerce, supply chain, food safety and more.

FMItech Directory

Related Posts

business plan of grocery store

Where Did All Those Facts Come From?

At the Midwinter Executive Conference, I witnessed the attendees absorbing with interest the big wall of facts with important data points about the food industry.

business plan of grocery store

Recognizing Lifelong Service, Dagmar Farr

Dagmar Farr inspires passion for learning and networking and she helps FMI members solve their greatest business challenges.

Industry Topics

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© 2024 FMI All rights reserved.

Website design by Matrix Group International, Inc. ®

Sign Up for the

FREE daily briefing on top stories in food retailing.

  • fmi-icon-workforce
  • fmi-icon-certificate
  • fmi-icon-pharmacy
  • fmi-icon-food-safety
  • fmi-icon-asset-protection
  • fmi-icon-education force-icon-3
  • fmi-icon-research
  • fmi-icon-government-affairs
  • fmi-icon-get-involved
  • fmi-icon-industry-topic force-icon-3
  • fmi-icon-labeling
  • fmi-icon-corporate-social-responsibility
  • fmi-icon-payments
  • fmi-icon-crisis-management
  • fmi-icon-private-brands
  • fmi-icon-food-assistance
  • fmi-icon-supplier-diversity
  • fmi-icon-fresh-foods
  • fmi-icon-supply-chain
  • fmi-icon-general-merchandise
  • fmi-icon-technology
  • fmi-icon-health-wellness
  • fmi-icon-total-store-collaboration
  • fmi-icon-Health-Reform
  • fmi-icon-wage-labor
  • fmi-icon-independent-operator
  • fmi-icon-wholesaler-topic
  • fmi-icon-newsroom force-icon-3
  • fmi-icon-tax-reform
  • fmi-icon-about_icon force-icon-4
  • fmi-icon-about_icon
  • fmi-icon-cart
  • fmi-icon-blog_icon force-icon-5
  • fmi-icon-Communications
  • fmi-icon-omnichannel
  • fmi-icon-biotechnology-topic

Staying current is easy with Crain’s news delivered straight to your inbox.

Free of charge.

Platform-redico deal may be glimmer of hope for new center grocery vision.

Kirk Pinho

Kirk Pinho is a senior reporter covering commercial real estate. Since joining Crain's Detroit Business in 2013, he has written about leasing, development and property sales in Detroit and its suburbs, as well as the industry's trends, personalities and quirks.

Fisher Building

For years, Peter Cummings has envisioned putting a grocery store in a new mixed-use development on a surface parking lot immediately west of the Fisher Building.

Last week’s news that his Detroit-based real estate development company, The Platform LLC, is handing over its management operations to Southfield-based Redico LLC and at least one of The Platform's top executives is moving over to that company, adds a new twist to the equation.

That’s because Redico, run by Dale Watchowski, has a long relationship with Walker-based Meijer Inc.

The developer has built several Meijer supercenters in metro Detroit, including the Gateway Marketplace development anchored by the city's first Meijer at Eight Mile and Woodward, and has more plans in the hopper in the suburbs, including one in Plymouth Township that just got the green light after a court fight, as well as one in Warren. 

Now of course, just because Meijer and Redico have worked together in the past doesn't mean there's necessarily something imminent in the works in Detroit now. 

If — let me stress, if — discussions take place, they could also be torpedoed by any number of things. But it will be something I'm keeping my eyes on, particularly in an industry like commercial real estate that's driven not just by numbers, but also by relationships. 

While Redico won't have ownership of any of the properties it's taking over from The Platform, it's probably not bad for Meijer to have a familiar face in the mix. 

Through a spokesperson, both The Platform and Redico declined comment on Tuesday. An email was sent to a Meijer spokesperson Tuesday seeking comment as well. 

Under terms of The Platform/Redico deal, which is expected to finalize early next month, Redico will manage all the properties in The Platform's portfolio of office and multifamily buildings, parking decks and vacant land. The Platform's projects — namely the redevelopment of a Milwaukee Junction building at 411 Piquette as well as continuing renovations of the Fisher Building, which has seen tens of millions in improvement in recent years — will continue. Clarke Lewis, who was named president of The Platform in June and will be joining Redico in an as-of-yet undetermined role, will oversee them. 

Less than a year ago, Cummings teased a grocery store in the neighborhood where his company, founded in 2016, has had its biggest impact: the New Center area. 

"The chances are very good," Cummings told Paul W. Smith on WJR radio when asked about the possibility of a grocery store there over the summer. "We actually have a letter of intent that will bring a 40,000-square-foot grocery store to New Center within the next few years."

He does not name the grocer in the interview, or identify the site that would house it. 

But in the past, grocery has been one of the uses envisioned for the property generally referred to as Lot 2, west of the Fisher Building, both of which are now majority-owned by the Michigan State University endowment and minority-owned by The Platform and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union following a deal last summer.

That surface lot is about 2.3 acres and has long been seen as a prime development site. In the summer 2018, there were plans to build more than 300 apartments and a 28,000-square-foot grocery store there, although clearly that has not materialized. 

But the L-shaped site is likely to continue to get attention as a more than $3 billion investment by Henry Ford Health, Michigan State University and Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores around that area inches forward, with construction of a new hospital tower plus commercial and residential space planned in the next few years. 

Meijer opened Rivertown Market, a small-format grocery store on East Jefferson, in the fall 2021 . It has about 43,000 square feet.

More in Real Estate Insider

business plan of grocery store

RenCen towers purchase price revealed

business plan of grocery store

Midwest architecture firms buck the national trend

business plan of grocery store

Harpos concert hall in Detroit goes up for sale

Most popular, get our newsletters.

Staying current is easy with Crain's news delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge. Click below to see everything we have to offer.

Subscribe Today

With a Crain’s Detroit Subscription you get exclusive access, insights and experiences to help you succeed in business.

Growthink logo white

Grocery Store Business Plan Template

  • Grocery Store Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your grocery store business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow this template, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the grocery store business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful grocery store business.

Finish Your Grocery Store Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your grocery store business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Click here to finish your grocery store business plan today.

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how our professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.

GROCERY STORE BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE

  • Grocery Store Business Plan Home
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Company Overview
  • 3. Industry Analysis
  • 4. Customer Analysis
  • 5. Competitive Analysis
  • 6. Marketing Plan
  • 7. Operations Plan
  • 8. Management Team
  • 9. Financial Plan
  • 10. Appendix

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Use This Simple Business Plan Template

IMAGES

  1. Grocery Store Business Plan Template

    business plan of grocery store

  2. Grocery Store Business Plan Template

    business plan of grocery store

  3. FREE 31+ Business Plan Templates in Google Docs

    business plan of grocery store

  4. How To Write A Business Plan For Grocery Store

    business plan of grocery store

  5. Grocery Store Business Plan Template

    business plan of grocery store

  6. Grocery Store Business Plan Template: Starting a Grocery Store Business

    business plan of grocery store

COMMENTS

  1. Grocery Store Business Plan Template (2024)

    What Is a Grocery Business Plan? What Are the Main Types of Grocery Businesses? What Are the Main Sources of Revenues and Expenses for a Grocery Business? How Do You Get Funding for Your Grocery Business Plan? What are the Steps To Start a Grocery Store? Where Can I Get a Grocery Store Business Plan PDF?

  2. Grocery Store Business Plan (+PDF) [2023 Ed]

    1. Business Plan For Opening A Grocery Store Opening a grocery store can help meet the needs of a local community by providing a convenient source of fresh food and other staples. This can help improve the health and well-being of the community by providing access to affordable nutritious food.

  3. Grocery Store Business Plan

    A business plan provides a snapshot of your grocery store as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research about the grocery store industry to support your plans.

  4. How to write a business plan for a grocery store?

    Creating a business plan for a grocery store is an essential process for any entrepreneur. It serves as a roadmap that outlines the necessary steps to be taken to start or grow the business, the resources required, and the anticipated financial outcomes. It should be crafted with method and confidence.

  5. Grocery Store Business Plan Sample

    Here are some essential steps to consider when creating your grocery store business plan: Before opening a grocery store, you need to decide on your business model. Will you be starting or opening a small grocery store, a supermarket, or a general store?

  6. The #1 Grocery Business Plan Template & Guidebook

    1. Describe the Purpose of Your Grocery Business. The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your grocery business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers' problems.

  7. Grocery Business Plan Template (2024)

    Download Template Create a Business Plan There will be a market for groceries and other household goods because of the demand, and this can be a very profitable business venture. But opening and running a grocery store need thorough preparation, investigation, and attention to detail.

  8. Grocery Store Business Plan Company Overview

    Grocery Store Business Plan Company Overview ABOUT ABOUT US TEAM CLIENTS SERVICES INVESTMENT BANKING Capital Raising M&A STRATEGIC PLANNING AI Consulting Business Analytics Business Plan Consulting Exit Planning Healthcare Advisory Innovation Strategy Impact Advisory RESEARCH Competitive Intelligence Customer Research Industry Analysis

  9. Grocery Store Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    If you want to start a Grocery Store or Supermarket business or expand your current Grocery Store business, you need a business plan. The following Grocery Store business plan template can be used to create a grocery store business plan, supermarket business plan, or a small grocery store business plan.

  10. Grocery Store Business Plan Template

    The World's #1 Grocery Store Business Plan Template — it's the quickest and easiest way to create a winning Grocery Store business plan, period! Quickly & easily finish your business plan Turn your ideas into reality Get funding from lenders & investors Dominate your competitors Increase sales & profits Trusted by more than 100,000 businesses

  11. How to Open a Grocery Store

    Discount Grocery Store: A grocery store offering lower prices than traditional stores by limiting selection and services. 3. Develop Your Grocery Store Business Plan. One of the most important steps in opening a grocery store is to develop your grocery store business plan. The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your ...

  12. How to Open a Grocery Store in 5 Steps: Getting Started

    Grocery Store Business Plan Frequently Asked Questions About Opening a Grocery Store Business People always need food and what better place to stock up on the essentials for the week than a grocery store? Due to this demand, many people have thought about opening a grocery store business of their own. Do you know how to open a grocery store?

  13. Grocery Store: get a solid business plan (example)

    What are the recommended financial benchmarks to use? What's the fastest way to outline a comprehensive business plan? Look no further! This article will cover all these questions and give you the answers you need. One last thing: starting your business plan from scratch is not required.

  14. Business Plan Template for Grocery Store

    1. Define your vision and mission Before diving into the specifics, it's important to establish a clear vision and mission for your grocery store. This will help guide your decision-making and set the tone for your business. Are you aiming to provide organic and locally sourced products?

  15. Grocery store business plan: How to start a grocery store?

    November 10, 2023 by Raghav Krishna India's retail industry has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the past few decades. Even though the country's organized retail sector is only 10% of the total industry, its growth is estimated to reach $2 trillion by 2032.

  16. Grocery Store Business Plan Company Overview

    Freshley's Grocery Store will be a neighborhood grocery store in Des Moines, Iowa. Freshley's will carry an array of meat, poultry, seafood, fruits, vegetables, frozen foods, deli items, dairy products and boxed groceries. Freshley's will be located in an area of town where there are no other "big box" retail grocery franchises and ...

  17. Grocery Store Business Plan

    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. Viking Grocery Stores-Springfield, will be located in the old Lloyd building, located at 3816 South Johnson Street, in the heart of Springfield, Missouri. This business plan is prepared to obtain joint financing in the amount of $2,746,000, to begin work on site preparation and modifications, purchase equipment, and to ...

  18. PDF Free-Version-of-Growthinks-Grocery-Store-Business-Plan-Template

    You simply enter some numbers (for example the # of products/services you expect to sell and the price), and Growthink's Ultimate Grocery Store Business Plan Template automatically builds your 5-year Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement.

  19. Navigating and Exploring 2024 Grocery Retail Innovation Trends

    Seamless and secure checkout experiences are a priority for grocery retailers. Self-checkout options offer convenience and speed to customers. CCTV tracking and biometric access systems enhance security measures, to ensure a safe shopping environment and maintain a smooth flow of customers through the store.

  20. Connecticut supermarket and grocery sectors continue to grow

    The Amazon Fresh storefront on Candlewood Lake Road in Brookfield, Conn., in March 2023. Massachusetts-based Big Y announced last month it has acquired the space and will open a store there.

  21. New Center grocery store plan could get boost from new deal

    Meijer opened Rivertown Market, a small-format grocery store on East Jefferson, in the fall 2021. It has about 43,000 square feet. It has about 43,000 square feet. By Kirk Pinho

  22. AVENYU+, OOO Company Profile

    Industry: Restaurants and Other Eating Places , Grocery and Convenience Retailers , Specialty Food Retailers , Eating places, Grocery stores See All Industries, Fish and seafood markets, Meat markets, including freezer provisioners, Retail bakeries Fast food restaurants and stands See Fewer Industries

  23. DRUZYA, OOO Company Profile

    Industry: Greenhouse, Nursery, and Floriculture Production , Other Animal Production , Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing , General Freight Trucking , Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers See All Industries, Grocery and Convenience Retailers , Ornamental nursery products, Animal specialties, nec, Fabricated Metal ...

  24. Grocery Store Business Plan Template Summary

    Grocery Store Business Plan Summary. Putting together a business plan for your grocery store business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow this template, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the grocery store business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan ...

  25. MERKURI, AO Company Profile

    Industry: Grocery and Convenience Retailers , Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing , General Freight Trucking , Warehousing and Storage , Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers See All Industries, Grocery stores, Bread, cake, and related products, Cookies and crackers, Trucking, except local, General warehousing and storage Groceries, general line See Fewer Industries

  26. ENPO NEORGANIKA, AO Company Profile

    Industry: Scientific Research and Development Services , Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing , Warehouse Clubs, Supercenters, and Other General Merchandise Retailers , Grocery and Convenience Retailers , Commercial physical research See All Industries, Chemical preparations, nec, Miscellaneous general merchandise Grocery stores ...