Due to a strong economy (in 2000) that raised land prices and building costs, the industry continued to embrace alternative site solutions and reduce the size of new construction, according to the report. The typical store opened last year covered just 44,072 square feet, a significant reduction from the 49,000 recorded in 1999 and the all-time high of 57,064 square feet recorded in 1998.
Notwithstanding, the proportion of store openings reached its second-highest point in the past decade — 4.9 percent — and store closings continued their downward descent to 2.4 percent — the lowest point recorded by the study in 10 years. Furthermore, major remodeling rates increased to 5.5 percent last year — from 5.0 percent in 1999.
New Stores Focus on Expanding Services for One-Stop Solutions
Similar to 1999, the most widespread departments and services in new stores are fresh seafood (100 percent), deli (96.6 percent) and floral services (96.6 percent).
New store construction projects showed that retailers are increasingly concentrating on consumer’s demand for the convenience of one-stop shopping, according to the report. Prepared foods for takeout, greeting cards, pharmacy operations and wine are among the fastest growing specialty segments in supermarkets in the past decade.
The prepared foods for takeout section reflected its fast expansion rate in 2000 as supermarkets continued to seek a larger share of that profit pie. Supermarket operators made fresh food for takeout available in 89.7 percent of new stores, compared with 58.5 percent in 1999.
Other “one-stop” services showing a growing presence in new store construction include on-site photo processing (31.0 percent), dry cleaning (24.1 percent) and gasoline service (3.4 percent).
New Construction, Remodeling Costs Drop
While building costs — the largest component of new store development — remained relatively flat at $64.26 per square foot last year, total construction costs fell from $103.32 per square foot in 1999 to $98.26 per square foot last year.
In 2000, 5.5 percent of all stores underwent a major remodel. Major remodeling costs increased from $32.46 in 1999 to $35.09 last year. The typical cost per square foot for store expansions — 17 percent of all remodels — is more than double the median at $83.00.
Interestingly, the median timespan between remodels saw a sharp decrease from nine years in 1999 to five years in 2000, possibly indicating that supermarket companies view timely store upgrades to be an effective competitive solution.
Average minimum rental rates for existing stores dropped to $6.55 per square foot last year, from $7.06 in 1999. Moreover, rental rates for new stores declined to $11.94 per square foot from a high of $12.31 recorded in 1999.
To purchase Facts About Store Development, 2001, call FMI’s Publications and Video Sales Department (202/220-0723) or visit the FMI Web site (http://www.fmi.org/pub). The cost is $30 for members; $80 for non-members.
Industry Topics address your specific area of expertise with resources, reports, events and more.
Our Research covers consumer behavior and retail operation benchmarks so you can make informed business decisions.
Events and Education including online and in-person help you advance your food retail career.
Food Safety training, resources and guidance that help you create a company food safety culture.
Government Affairs work — federal and state — on the latest food industry policy, regulatory and legislative issues.
Get Involved. From industry awards to newsletters and committees, these resources help you take advantage of your membership.
Best practices, guidance documents, infographics, signage and more for the food industry on the COVID-19 pandemic.
