Five Grocery Stores Reinventing Food Retail

Welcome to this week's edition of GRATE!

With the closure of Harvey Nichols' iconic food hall and the accelerated shift towards smaller-format in grocery stores, it made me think a lot this week about how the traditional supermarket is getting a makeover. Innovation is now not just about what we eat—it’s how and where we shop. From layouts designed to delight the senses, to curated product offerings that feel more like specialty boutiques than big-box grocers, food retail is evolving fast.

In the UK, major players like Asda, Waitrose, Morrisons, and Tesco are betting big on convenience formats—spaces that combine efficiency with charm, and increasingly, a clear point of view. According to PwC, smaller-format stores were one of the fastest-growing retail formats last year, and the momentum hasn’t slowed. These stores are becoming hubs for innovation in fulfilment, digital integration, and customer experience.

But this isn’t just a local trend. Retailers globally are rethinking every square metre—from the chandelier-lit aisles of Parisian concept stores to London's latest Whole Foods destination. This week, I’m spotlighting five retailers—from Pret to LoSurdo’s—whose recent openings reflect a fresh, elevated take on the future of food shopping.

As always, enjoy the read and let me know what concept stores you've visited that are offering clues to the future of retail 

Annie x

LOSURDO'S (AUSTRALIA)

In Sydney, LoSurdo’s is bringing old-school greengrocer charm into the modern era. The family-run business’s flagship in Chatswood Chase is all about spacious layouts, bold merchandising, and a clear love for produce. Think baskets brimming with seasonal fruit, clear provenance labelling, and a full deli and dry goods zone that makes weekly shops feel personal again. With a strong focus on Australasia’s best produce, it shows that big-box supermarkets don’t have to own the narrative on freshness or value.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET (KINGS ROAD, LONDON)

Whole Foods’ first UK opening in over ten years is far more than a comeback—it’s a re-statement of intent. Located on London’s Kings Road, the store focuses on health and indulgence in equal measure, from in-house bakeries and wellness bars to a grind-your-own nut butter station. With over 400 wines, sustainable seafood, and a commitment to local and organic sourcing, it reflects the increasingly discerning tastes of London shoppers. It’s not just a store; it’s a curated food experience that encourages discovery down every aisle.

EPIC (PARIS)

Part grocery store, part immersive gallery, Epic in Paris is designed to wow. With dramatic lighting, spice-lined alcoves, and curated displays featuring everything from global sauces to ultra-rare balsamics, this store challenges what a food shop can look and feel like. It's deliberately Instagrammable but not superficial—every product has a story and every corner invites exploration. Epic isn’t about convenience; it’s about slowing down, savouring the shop itself, and turning a routine errand into an experience.

HYUNDAI DEPARTMENT STORE (KOREA)

During a recent conversation with Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia, we discussed the growing global appetite for elevated food retail experiences—and Hyundai Department Store Group in South Korea is a perfect example. At its flagship The Hyundai Seoul, the group has reimagined what a food store can be: a luxurious, immersive destination blending gourmet grocery, premium foodservice, and curated local and global delicacies. With chef-led counters, artful product storytelling, and seamless digital integration, Hyundai is showing how food retail can inspire discovery, indulgence, and loyalty—while setting a new benchmark for experiential shopping in Asia and beyond.

REWE – PICK & GO VISION-DRIVEN SUPERMARKET (HAMBURG, GERMANY)

In Hamburg, REWE has opened what’s been touted as Europe’s largest computer-vision supermarket, employing Trigo-powered Pick & Go technology to create a completely checkout-free experience. Shoppers simply walk in, pick their items, and walk out—charging is handled seamlessly via their account, without scanning or queuing. This store isn’t just about convenience—it’s about redefining operational efficiency, reducing friction, and offering a glimpse into the autonomous food stores of the future.