Best news for supermarkets.

The best news for supermarkets in our shopping intentions survey is that compared to super-centers, twice as many shoppers intend to keep shopping at supermarkets. Supermarkets that have differentiated themselves look much stronger than conventional supermarkets. "I don't like going to the supermarket but I do like going to Wegmans when I can."

In spite of their power and all the one-stop hoopla they generate, supercenters are too big, too slow, and too cumbersome for many shoppers to tolerate. "Compared to Wal-Mart, my Kroger has no traffic hassles and very quick checkout lines." Just as important, many supercenter shoppers continue to think that the meat and produce is better at supermarkets; that meat is better at club and specialty, stores; and that produce is better at supermarkets and places like Whole Foods. While some are calling the supercenters inhumane community-destroyers, others continue to hope that one will soon open near enough for them to shop regularly:

* "I like supercenters where I can shop all at once. There aren't any close by but if Wal-Mart or Target were to build a superstore near I would shop there."

* "Wal-Mart superstore has a slightly different selection of grocery items and brands... We like the change from Publix! And generally their prices are lower. But we would NEVER purchase meat, or fish from Wal-Mart. These items look pathetic. Also their produce is not too terrific looking".

* "We love our local Hannaford's--their store brand products are a good tasting bargain--often the store brand of some items like ranch dressing goes off the shelf faster than name brands--that says something--we pick up cases of Hannaford brands items for our local food pantry because it's the best price in town."