Dominick Belmonte

This study investigates the differences in location strategies, real estate acquisition, and demographic targeting between premier and discount supermarkets in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Premier supermarkets, such as Loblaw, Metro, and Sobeys, target affluent neighborhoods and invest in high-value real estate to attract high-income customers. Conversely, discount supermarkets, including No Frills, Food Basics, and FreshCo, focus on affordability by situating in high-need communities, often with lower real estate costs. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis, this research highlights the alignment of supermarket strategies with demographic and socioeconomic variables. The study underscores the role of consumer demographics and socioeconomic status in shaping retail strategies and the usefulness of GIS in optimizing supermarket locations. The research findings contribute to a deeper understanding of retail geography and strategic decision-making in food retailing.
Keywords: Supermarket location strategies; Greater Toronto Area (GTA); premier supermarkets; discount supermarkets; real estate acquisition; demographic targeting; Geographic Information Systems (GIS); consumer behavior; spatial analysis; high-need communities; affluent neighborhoods; market segmentation; strategic business decision-making.