In 2025, the grocery industry is being transformed—not by technology alone, but by the evolving mindset of the modern grocery shopper. Today’s consumers expect convenience, personalization, value, and ethics—all bundled into a seamless shopping experience.
But what exactly are shoppers thinking? What’s driving their choices?
In this article, we explore recent data and expert insights to decode the behavior of the 2025 grocery shopper—and share what grocery retailers need to do to keep up.
Who is the Modern Grocery Shopper in 2025?
Today’s shoppers are informed, empowered, and highly diverse. They span generations and lifestyles—but they’re united by a desire for value, efficiency, and relevance.
Mark Lack, CEO of Circle K (Saudi Arabia), described this shift well:
“Convenience stores aren’t necessarily about competing on price; they’re about being accessible and part of the community. We want to create a place where customers can relax, have a coffee and a cookie, and enjoy a comfortable environment.”
This focus on community and experience is at the heart of modern grocery behavior, especially in urban and proximity-based formats.
📊 What Influences Grocery Shopping Decisions Today?
Shoppers now evaluate every purchase through multiple lenses. Here’s what they prioritize:
- Price sensitivity due to inflation and economic uncertainty
- Product quality and availability—no more tolerating out-of-stock essentials
- Sustainability and ethics of the brand and supply chain
- Digital integration like app-based offers and loyalty programs
- Convenience through omni-channel flexibility
📉 According to Clarkston Consulting, 90% of consumers are likely to continue buying private-label products, even post-inflation.
🛒 In-Store vs. Online Grocery Preferences
The post-pandemic world has normalized hybrid shopping. While in-store remains dominant, the online grocery market in the Middle East continues to surge, valued at USD 50.0 billion in 2024. (IMARC, 2024).
But in-store remains important—for freshness, discovery, and immediacy. That’s why many retailers are doubling down on experiential formats.
As Mussaab Aboud, Deputy CEO at Grandiose, put it:
“The vision is not only to come up with just a traditional supermarket but a supermarket with a food experience. You don’t just go there for daily groceries—you go there to have lunch, dinner, with family and friends. This has been our vision from the beginning.”
Retailers like Grandiose are blurring the lines between grocery and hospitality to stay ahead.
📱 How Technology Is Reshaping Grocery Habits
Technology is now embedded in nearly every step of the grocery journey—from AI-gerated shopping lists to customer checkouts.
Innovations shaping the shopper journey:
- Loyalty mobile apps that deliver real-time coupons, personalized offers, and shopping lists
- In-store traffic analytics to optimize product placement, reduce congestion, and improve flow
- Frictionless checkout options like AI-powered self-checkout kiosks or smart carts
- AI-driven personalization engines that tailor promotions and product recommendations based on consumer behavior
Retailers using tech to predict preferences and respond in real-time are winning.
👥 Generational Shopping Trends
Each generation shops differently—and retailers must adapt accordingly:
| Generation | Key Traits |
|---|---|
| Gen Z | Digital-native, cause-driven |
| Millennials | Deal-hunters, mobile-first |
| Gen X | Brand-loyal, omnichannel adopters |
| Boomers | Prefer in-store, prioritize service |
Younger shoppers also seek emotional connection and shared values with brands.
🌱 Ethics, Sustainability & Values-Driven Shopping
Modern grocery shopping is more than transactional—it’s personal and moral.
- 53% of consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally sustainable food and drink (YouGov, 2024)
- Ethical sourcing, eco-packaging, and transparency are key loyalty drivers
- Shoppers expect retailers to reflect their values, not just offer value
💡 What Can Grocery Retailers Do About It?
Retailers who understand today’s customer mindset can build lasting relationships—not just repeat purchases.
5 Strategic Moves for 2025 Grocery Retailers:
- Double down on digital loyalty and data-backed personalizations
- Enhance omnichannel fulfillment—click & collect, express delivery, in-app orders
- Invest in store experience—blending hospitality and technology with retail
- Adapt your assortment—private label, local, health-driven products
- Listen and localize—build feedback loops and act on them
🚀 Conclusion: Retailers Who Understand the Shopper Will Own the Future
The modern grocery shopper is driven by convenience, control, and consciousness. They don’t just want food—they want relevance, efficiency, and ethical alignment.
Retailers who adapt their models, personalize their outreach, and listen deeply will not only grow—they’ll lead.
📣 Ready to meet the modern grocery shopper where they are?
🎧 Tune in to What’s in Store for exclusive conversations with the Middle East’s top retail leaders.
