The reasoning behind placement of food items in Kentucky grocery stores

Decisions made at the grocery store come in various forms. While there has been a lot of discussion about the cost of food items, there may also be consideration given to the health impact. Anna Cason is senior extension associate for food and nutrition at UK. Cason said altering the placement of snacks and high-sugar products in stores may not be feasible, but raising nutrition awareness early on is.

“Understand what options may support their health and what they can have most of the time and then also thinking about these delicious foods that a lot of times we enjoy more still can fit into our diets, but just in moderation," said Cason.

Cason said marketing of products does include playing on emotions and feelings of shoppers.

Kentucky Grocers and Convenience Store Association’s Steve McClain said stores may use data gathered to track shopper traffic. McClain noted a store representative mentioned a change to move condiments out of the first aisle and bring in meal kits as one example. He added shopper traffic data can play a role in displaying products

“You’re laying the store out to maximize space and catching the eye of the shopper,” said McClain.

McClain said, often, the healthier items, dairy, meats, and produce are along the perimeter with more processed foods placed on inner aisle shelves.

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