Contributing Writer Look around it seems like a new supermarket is going up on every corner. Publix, a relatively new entrant to the Charleston market, is planning to build its fifth area store in Summerville. The supermarket business is intensely competitive, with stores fighting for their share of the market. We are all competing for the same dollar, said Publix spokesman Lee Brunson. It s so competitive we can t discuss any specifics.
Stores compete on the basis of market share.
In such a market, the decision-making behind new stores and a competitive strategy is more art than science. When asked about the criteria used to decide where to build a new store, spokesmen for two supermarket chains burst out laughing. There are no rules it s highly judgmental, said Tradd Newton, vice president of advertising and development for Piggly Wiggly Carolina. Lately, there s no set formula . Each chain gathers data, which includes demographics, rooftop counts, traffic counts and access from a number of sources.