Jewel-Osco, a division of Supervalu, is the latest chain to test a small store concept that it hopes will speak to the needs of urban consumers in tony neighborhoods, including Chicago's Lincoln Park.
The new format, dubbed Urban Fresh, by Jewel, focuses on fresh foods and ready-to-go meals for busy consumers à la Fresh & Easy, Safeway and Walmart.
"The smaller-format store is an exciting complement to our larger, more traditional grocery stores," said Keith Nielsen, president of Jewel-Osco, in a company press release. "We hope to learn as much as possible from the effort, paying close attention to customer feedback, so we can deliver the best experience for our shoppers."
Unlike big boxes that have gotten a less than friendly reception by Chicago's elected leaders and labor officials, the new Urban Fresh store is drawing praise.
"The store will be a welcome addition to the community," said Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd). "Everyone is pressed for time these days and the store will make life a little easier for our residents."
Discussion Questions: Has store size become a more important factor within the consumer hierarchy in determining where to shop? Does a format being tested by Jewel-Osco in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago give you more or less confidence that it will succeed than other small store concepts tested by merchants in other communities?