San Antonio shoppers must like a good read every week. All the grocers in the market use circulars. That’s right, 100 percent. San Antonio also tops the U.S. in the number of stores with soft drink vending machines (94%) and service cosmetics (30%). The health & beauty care departments here are the third largest in the country. And 17 percent of stores have film labs, the third highest level in the U.S.
But few San Antonio grocers have warehouse aisles (1.4% of stores) or carry bulk foods (2.7%), and only 7 percent of stores have frequent-shopper programs.
H.E. Butt dominates the market: Its 56 stores hold a 60 percent share. Albertson’s is a strong second, with 23 stores and a 15 share. Since 1994, the chain nearly doubled its presence from 12 stores, but gained less than one market share point. H.E.B., meanwhile, earned 8 more share points while adding only three stores. At the same time, Wal-Mart and Kmart both entered the market, putting new pressure on supermarkets. Each has a 3 share.
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