Larger footprint grocers in Phoenix, AZ have longer dwell times due to size and diverse offerings compared to traditional grocers

In Phoenix’s grocery sector, warehouse-style grocers like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart see the longest dwell times, often exceeding 30 minutes, thanks to their large footprints (50,000+ sf) and wide range of offerings beyond groceries, from electronics to home goods.

While one might expect experiential grocers like Whole Foods and AJ’s Fine Foods to have longer dwell times than traditional grocers, their averages remain comparable, often under 25 minutes, likely due to Amazon Prime returns, quick-service amenities like coffee and hot food bars, and social media-driven “pop-in” visits for trending products, which shift these trips toward shorter, targeted stops.

The limited supply of true large‑format sites makes warehouse grocers highly competitive and attractive to landlords seeking longer customer engagement and co‑tenant lift, but they require higher capex, more parking and zoning flexibility; landlords focused on predictable, lower‑risk tenancy and easier site fits will often favor traditional grocery anchors like Fry’s, Sprouts and Safeway to name a few.

AY Phoenix
Giovanna Abraham