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Where do stores put the freshest items?

Published in Grocery Store Layout 2 mins read

Stores strategically place the freshest items around the perimeter of the store, with specific sections like fruits and vegetables often located closest to the entrance.

Strategic Placement of Fresh Items in Grocery Stores

Grocery stores meticulously design their layouts to influence shopping patterns and highlight their freshest offerings. Generally, you'll find the most perishable and fresh products lining the outer edges of the store.

Key Locations for Freshness

The placement of fresh items is a deliberate strategy to ensure they are easily accessible and prominent. Here's a breakdown of where to find the freshest goods:

  • Store Perimeter: The majority of fresh foods, including produce, dairy, meats, and baked goods, are typically situated around the store's perimeter. This layout keeps them separate from the packaged, shelf-stable goods found in the central aisles.

  • Near the Entrance:

    • Fruits and Vegetables: These vibrant and often colorful items are commonly positioned right at the entrance of a grocery store. This immediate display of fresh produce can encourage a feeling of health and freshness for the shopper.
    • Bakery: Freshly baked goods, with their enticing aromas, are often located near the entrance or close to the produce section, further enhancing the fresh atmosphere.
  • Far Back Corner:

    • Milk and Dairy Products: While also a fresh item, milk is frequently placed in a far back corner of the store. This often requires shoppers to walk through other aisles, potentially increasing impulse purchases along the way.

Understanding Fresh Item Placement

Fresh Item Category Typical Location
Fruits and Vegetables Closest to the store entrance
Bakery Items Near the entrance/produce
General Fresh Foods Along the store's perimeter
Milk and Dairy In a far back corner

By understanding these typical store layouts, shoppers can more efficiently locate the freshest ingredients and navigate their grocery trips. This strategic placement ensures that items requiring frequent restocking or refrigeration are easily managed by staff and prominently displayed for consumers.