Grocery Sector Still Strong Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

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It’s no secret that COVID-19 has reshaped the retail landscape at large, forcing some industries to shutter completely and struggle to stay afloat. However, the grocery industry has thrived among a rocky economy, and continues to see higher than usual sales compared to this same period last year. Grocers saw upwards of 30% increase in sales in March, which has been attributed to the nearly 55% of shoppers who say they are eating at home more often since the pandemic began in March. While the initial growth has eased, sales year-over-year remained between 8-12% higher starting in June through September.

Grocery-anchored shopping centers in the city became necessary pillars of their communities offering necessities and an abundance of parking for consumers who no longer wanted to ride public transportation. The Jewel-Osco located at Elston Plaza, at the corner of Elston, Addison and Kedzie, in the Avondale neighborhood has been no exception, also performing extremely well with reported sales volumes over average. Sales leveled off in June when restrictions on restaurants were lifted and consumers felt more comfortable dining out. Overall, sales continue to remain higher than usual. Elston Plaza’s accessible location at the 3-way intersection of Elston, Addison and Kedzie, its significant surface-level parking and full access points off all three streets can be attributed to the center’s stability and success.

Along with Jewel-Osco, the center has a great mix of national tenants including O’Reilly’s, Chipotle and the Currency Exchange which all remained open during the pandemic. PPP Care, Clearly Cares Dental and ATI also kept their doors open with limited in-office patient visits. This daily-needs center with service-oriented, “internet proof” tenants will continue to serve the community even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Do you own a business and want to join this high-performing center? Learn more about Elston Plaza and leasing opportunities at the center here.

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