Shopping at your regular grocery store might feel different this year. Major changes are happening at stores across the country, from new technology that changes prices instantly to expanded delivery options that bring groceries right to your door. Some familiar stores are getting bigger while others are joining forces to serve you better. Here’s what you need to know about the changes coming to your local grocery store in 2025.
Walmart brings smart price tags to thousands of stores
Remember those paper price tags that sometimes fall off the shelf or show the wrong price? Walmart is saying goodbye to them. They’re putting in new electronic shelf labels in 2,300 stores over the next year. These digital tags look like small screens and can change prices instantly, so you’ll always see the right price when you’re shopping.
These new tags do more than just show prices. They can tell you if something’s on sale, how many items are left in stock, and even show reviews from other shoppers. No more walking all the way to the price checker or hunting down an employee to ask about a price – all the information you need is right there on the shelf.
The best part? These electronic tags mean fewer pricing mistakes at checkout. We’ve all been there – you grab something because the shelf tag shows it’s on sale, but it rings up at full price at the register. With these new tags, the price you see on the shelf will always match the price at checkout because they’re connected to the same system.
For the workers at Walmart, these tags make their jobs easier too. Instead of spending hours changing paper price tags by hand, they can update thousands of prices with just a few clicks. This means they have more time to help shoppers and keep the shelves stocked. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Aldi takes over more stores in the Southeast
Big news if you live in the Southeast – Aldi is coming to town in a big way. The German-owned grocery chain isn’t just building new stores; they’re taking over Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations. This means more people will get to experience Aldi’s famous low prices and unique shopping style.
If you’ve never been to an Aldi before, you’re in for something different. They keep prices low by doing things their own way. You’ll need a quarter to get a shopping cart (but you get it back when you return the cart), and you should bring your own bags or buy them there. These small changes help Aldi keep their prices lower than other stores.
The expansion is huge – Aldi plans to add 800 new stores by 2028. That means if you don’t have an Aldi near you now, you might get one soon. The stores are smaller than typical supermarkets, which makes shopping quicker and easier. You won’t find twenty different brands of ketchup, but you will find good quality items at surprisingly low prices.
For people worried about grocery prices (and who isn’t these days?), Aldi’s expansion is good news. Their store brands are usually much cheaper than name brands at other stores, but the quality is just as good. Many shoppers say they save 30% or more on their grocery bills by shopping at Aldi.
Meijer brings groceries to millions more homes
If you live in the Midwest, getting groceries delivered just got easier. Meijer is making a big move by expanding its delivery service to reach 4 million more households. This means more people can get their groceries brought right to their door, even if they live far from a Meijer store.
The company isn’t just adding more delivery areas – they’re making the whole process better. They’re adding more delivery time slots so you can get your groceries when it’s convenient for you. They’re also improving their technology to make ordering easier and deliveries more reliable.
For busy families, older folks, or anyone who has trouble getting to the store, this expansion is a game-changer. You can order everything from fresh produce to frozen foods, and even non-grocery items that Meijer sells. The delivery drivers are trained to pick the best quality items, just like you would choose for yourself.
While delivery does cost extra, many people find it’s worth it when you factor in the time and gas money saved. Plus, Meijer often runs promotions that make delivery more affordable, like discounted delivery fees or free delivery with a minimum purchase.
Store brands become the new normal
Store brands used to be seen as the cheaper, lower-quality option, but that’s changing fast. More shoppers are choosing store brands over name brands, and grocery stores are responding by making their own brands better than ever.
Stores like Target are going all in on their own brands. Their Good & Gather food line keeps growing, with new items being added all the time. These aren’t just basic items either – they’re making premium products that can compete with the fancy name brands, but at lower prices.
The quality of store brands has improved so much that many people can’t tell the difference between them and name brands. In fact, some store brand items are made in the same factories as the name brands. The main difference? You’re not paying extra for the famous name on the package.
Stores are also giving their brands better shelf space. Instead of hiding them on the bottom shelf, they’re putting them right at eye level. Some stores are even creating special sections just for their own brands, making it easier to find these money-saving options.
Amazon changes how Whole Foods works
Since Amazon bought Whole Foods, they’ve been making changes bit by bit. Now in 2025, they’re rolling out bigger changes that will make shopping there different. They’re connecting Whole Foods more closely with other Amazon shopping options, which means more ways to shop and get your groceries.
One big change is the expansion of “Just Walk Out” technology. This lets you grab what you need and leave without going through checkout – the store automatically charges your Amazon account. It might feel weird at first, but many shoppers say it saves them lots of time.
They’re also making more room in stores for picking up online orders. If you order groceries through Amazon, you might pick them up from a special area in Whole Foods. This means less waiting and a smoother pickup process, especially during busy times.
Another change is that you can now order from Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, and regular Amazon all in one order with same-day delivery. This means you can get your organic produce from Whole Foods along with other items from Amazon without placing separate orders.
Costco updates its membership and shopping experience
Your Costco runs might look different this year. The warehouse store is making changes to keep up with how people want to shop today. They’re adding more self-checkout lanes to speed up the checkout process, and they’re even letting you order food court items from your phone.
The membership program is getting updates too. While they haven’t shared all the details yet, they’re working on making the online shopping experience better. This means it might be easier to find and buy things on Costco’s website, and you might get new perks with your membership.
Inside the stores, you’ll notice some changes in how things are arranged. They’re making it easier to find what you’re looking for, and they’re adding more fresh and prepared food options. The food court isn’t going anywhere, but you might see some new menu items pop up.
For those who shop online, Costco is improving its delivery options. They’re working on making same-day delivery available for more items, and they’re trying to make the whole online shopping experience feel more like shopping in the actual store.
Target gives its grocery section a makeover
Target is changing how its grocery sections look and work. They’re making the aisles wider so it’s easier to shop with a cart, and they’re adding more refrigerated cases for fresh foods. This means you’ll find more fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and prepared meals when you shop there.
The store’s own food brands, Good & Gather and Market Pantry, are getting bigger. You’ll see more options from these brands, including organic items and premium products. Target is betting that shoppers will like their store brands just as much as name brands, especially since they usually cost less.
They’re also making their grocery pickup service better. More items are available for pickup, and they’re making the pickup areas easier to find and use. If you order groceries for pickup, you might notice that the process is smoother and faster than before.
For people who like to do all their shopping in one place, these changes make Target more appealing. You can get your groceries while you’re picking up other things you need, and the quality of the food section is getting closer to what you’d find at a regular grocery store.
Changes in store layouts make shopping easier
Grocery stores are changing how they’re arranged inside to make shopping easier and faster. The old maze-like layouts are being replaced with shorter aisles that you can see across. This helps you find things faster and makes the store feel less crowded.
The areas around the edges of the store (what stores call the perimeter) are getting bigger. This is where you usually find fresh foods like produce, meat, and dairy. Many stores are adding more space for prepared foods too, perfect for those days when you don’t want to cook.
The areas around the edges of the store (what stores call the perimeter) are getting bigger. This is where you usually find fresh foods like produce, meat, and dairy. Many stores are adding more space for prepared foods too, perfect for those days when you don’t want to cook.
Many stores are creating “destination departments” – special areas focused on specific types of products. Think of it like a store within a store. For example, you might find a coffee shop-style area with coffee, tea, and snacks all in one place, or a “global foods” section that groups international ingredients together.
Signs are getting better too. New digital signs help you find what you’re looking for faster, and some stores are adding mobile apps that can guide you right to the item you want. The days of wandering around looking for that one ingredient might finally be over.
Self-checkout becomes more common and easier to use
More stores are adding self-checkout lanes, but they’re different from the frustrating ones you might remember. The new systems are smarter and easier to use. They’re better at recognizing products, so you won’t hear that annoying “unexpected item in bagging area” message as much.
Some stores are testing systems where you scan items with your phone as you shop. This means you can bag your groceries as you go through the store, and when you’re done, you just pay and leave. No more unloading and reloading your cart at checkout.
For people who don’t like self-checkout, don’t worry – regular checkout lanes aren’t going away completely. Stores are finding a balance between self-checkout and staffed lanes. Many are training their workers to help several self-checkout users at once, so help is always nearby if you need it.
These new checkout options mean shorter lines and faster trips to the store. Most stores now let you choose what works best for you – whether that’s traditional checkout, self-checkout, or even no checkout at all with newer “just walk out” technology.
Changes in how you pay for groceries
Paying for groceries is getting more flexible. Stores are adding more ways to pay, including mobile payments, digital wallets, and even options to pay for your groceries over time with services like “buy now, pay later.”
Digital coupons are becoming the norm. Instead of cutting paper coupons, you can add them to your store account with a click. Some stores’ apps automatically find and apply the best deals to your purchase. This means you never miss out on savings because you forgot to bring your coupons.
Store loyalty programs are getting better too. Many now connect to your phone or a store app, so you don’t need to carry another card. These programs are offering more perks, like personalized deals based on what you usually buy, or points you can use for discounts on gas or future grocery trips.
Some stores are even testing ways to pay with just a scan of your palm or face – no phone or card needed. While this might sound like science fiction, it’s already happening in some places, though stores are being careful to make sure these systems are secure and private.
All these changes at grocery stores might seem like a lot, but they’re happening to make shopping easier and more affordable for everyone. From faster checkout to better delivery options, from smarter price tags to more store brands, grocery stores are changing with the times. While some changes might take getting used to, they’re all aimed at giving shoppers more options and better ways to save money on their grocery bills.
