Grocery continues to prove its resilience as one of retail’s strongest-performing sectors heading into 2026. While inflation and evolving consumer habits have reshaped shopping behavior, they have also fueled more frequent, purpose-driven grocery trips centered on value, convenience, and choice. Traditional grocers remain the backbone of the industry despite increased competition from discount retailers, dollar stores, and wholesale clubs, demonstrating the essential role grocery plays in consumers’ daily lives.

Across Virginia, that strength is translating into significant investment and expansion. From new Publix, Kroger, Aldi, and specialty grocer locations in Richmond to emerging concepts and redevelopment projects throughout Hampton Roads, retailers are actively pursuing opportunities in growing residential corridors and high-demand trade areas. As consumers continue to spread their spending across multiple formats and shopping missions, grocery-anchored retail remains a key driver of traffic, development activity, and long-term growth throughout the Commonwealth.

Using mobile location intelligence from Placer.ai, this report examines the grocery chains attracting the most visits across Richmond and Hampton Roads and highlights the latest grocery-anchored developments shaping Virginia’s retail landscape.