Best Supermarkets in Chicago

Supermarkets are general-purpose grocery stores that sell meat, produce, dairy products, deli items, baked goods, frozen foods and other goods. In addition to food items they may carry non-food items like kitchenware, household cleaners and pharmacy items as well.

Chicago boasts a number of supermarket chains, which has driven down prices for shoppers.

Jewel-Osco

Jewel-Osco is a large grocery chain with stores throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Their stores prioritize customer service while providing health and wellness benefits to their employees.

They offer an impressive selection of craft beer & wine at competitive prices, with even an entire wall dedicated to beer & wine!

Prior to 1970, most Jewel stores were located on busy city streets. But between 1970 and 1990, Jewel shifted most of its stores into freestanding buildings with ample parking for customers.

Meijer

Meijer offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meat departments, bakery items and local brands to fit any need. Plus it has plenty of mPerks discounts, coupons and promotions that you can use in-store or online.

Meijer offers a wide selection of grocery stores throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Its 501 supercenters, neighborhood markets and Meijer Grocery & Express locations are open 24 hours a day for your convenience.

The store’s fresh produce, meat and bakery sections boast many locally-made products from vendors such as Rinaldi Fresh Sausage Company, Dearborn Brand and Kowalski Sausage Company. Furthermore, it has a full-service pharmacy with Meijer and national brand health and beauty items available.

Food 4 Less

Food 4 Less is a grocery store chain that offers an extensive selection of groceries and products. Its stores boast an unfussy warehouse format with everyday low prices on bulk groceries, produce, health care items and beauty care items.

Kroger-owned Food 4 Less operates 124 price-conscious warehouse-format supermarkets under its banner. Additionally, it operates several stores under the Foods Co name in northern California.

The company’s mission is to strengthen local economies and enhance quality of life for customers in underserved communities. This includes renovating four Food 4 Less supermarkets located in distressed areas of Los Angeles that were funded by New Market Tax Credits. These projects safeguard union supermarket jobs while contributing towards community development initiatives.

Target

Target is your go-to for grocery shopping at one convenient location. Not only does it offer free parking and a kids zone, but you can also do online shopping with ease from Target’s easy platform. With so many benefits offered at this location, Target makes for an ideal one-stop shop!

Many shoppers discover Target’s in-house brands to be of higher quality and cheaper than name brands. Archer Farms products, for instance, are priced 10-30% lower than comparable name brands.

Target has always been known for its generous philanthropy, and many customers appreciate the company’s contributions to local charities during natural disasters. Furthermore, Target has supported community development projects in underprivileged areas with generous funding.

Mariano’s

Mariano’s is your go-to spot for fresh produce, meats and seafood as well as bakery items like bread or pastries. Plus they boast an impressive smoothie bar and prepared food selection.

Don Fitzgerald, group vice president of merchandising at Mariano’s, credits an innovative strategy that has allowed them to stay afloat in tough economic conditions. Their combination of traditional merchandising with data science and store-level coordination for customers a hassle-free shopping experience. This approach has enabled Mariano’s to remain profitable despite facing numerous challenges along the way.

Although the company’s success hasn’t come without some setbacks. While some new products, like a Nutella bar and vegan line, have failed, Fitzgerald noted that his team has continued to experiment. These experiments have produced research and development insights which ultimately result in successful products available for purchase in stores today.

Fresh Thyme

Fresh Thyme is a grocery store designed to look like a farmer’s market, offering healthy foods at incredible prices. They’re the perfect destination to pick up vegan foods, organic ingredients and other organic items.

They offer a vast selection of bulk items, such as flour, grains, nuts, beans and other staples. This is especially beneficial for those following a gluten-free diet since many items are free from wheat, oats and other common allergens.

This chain has 71 locations in 10 states across the Midwest and is ranked No. 91 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2022 list of the top food and consumable retailers in North America.