Buffalo is big on food. The western New York market ranks fourth in the nation in all-commodity dollar volume. It ranks No. 1 among supermarkets offering store P-O-P on-shelf, available in 98 percent of stores. On the other hand, only 35 percent of stores allow manufacturer-supplied P-O-P, one of the lowest rates in the country. Fully 96 percent of stores have aisle markers, but only 33 percent have bulletin boards. Buffalo has the highest percentage of supermarkets selling bulk foods, 64 percent. It ranks third among cities with in-store restaurants, in 28 percent of supermarkets. Ninety-five percent of stores sell lottery tickets, the second-highest penetration in the U.S.
Buffalo’s 1.7 million citizens live in 650,919 households and account for 0.66 % of the total U.S. population. Tops Markets leads the city with a 52 share in its 50 stores, up from 38 stores in 1994. Wegmans has grown to a near 20 share with 11 stores, up from a 9 share with six stores in ’94. Wal-Mart has captured a 1 share with its single store, and Fleming Co. dropped to an 11 share when it closed or sold 16 of its 53 stores. P&C Food Markets has shrunk, down to 28 stores and an 11 share from a 21 share in ’94.
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