Below is a concise estimate of in-person shoppers at these anchor businesses, based on 2024–2025 U.S. retail data.

In-Person Consumers Shopping at Anchor Businesses (Supermarkets and Department Stores):

• Supermarkets:

  • In 2024, ~93% of U.S. consumers (approximately 310 million people, based on a 333 million population) visited a grocery store in-person at least once in the past 30 days. Supermarkets, as key anchor businesses, drive this traffic.

  • Of the 74% of grocery shopping done in-store (vs. online), an estimated 122 million unique household shoppers (91% of 134 million households) visit supermarkets weekly, with ~30 million daily in-person shoppers across 63,328 U.S. supermarkets.

  • Consumers spend an average of $174 per in-person trip, prioritizing essentials like dairy (82%) and produce (80%).

• Department Stores:

  • In 2024, ~40% of consumers (roughly 133 million people) primarily bought apparel and footwear in-person at department stores (e.g., Macy’s, Kohl’s) or similar retail, though some opt for big-box stores.

  • In 2023, 62% of consumers shopped in-store for clothing, with an estimated 50% of these (about 100 million annually) visiting department stores, as online shopping (42% of apparel purchases) reduces in-store visits.

  • Weekly, department stores likely see 10–20 million in-person shoppers, concentrated in mall-based or urban locations.

• Total In-Person Shoppers:

  • Accounting for overlap (e.g., consumers visiting both in shopping centers), approximately 200–250 million U.S. consumers shop in-person at supermarkets and department stores annually. Supermarkets dominate with 122 million weekly in-person shoppers, while department stores contribute a smaller but significant share.

Notes:

• Supermarkets have higher in-person traffic due to necessity (food), while department stores rely on discretionary spending, impacted by online alternatives (e.g., 270.11 million online shoppers in 2024).

• Data doesn’t isolate “anchor” stores precisely, so estimates are derived from grocery and apparel retail trends. Regional or chain-specific data (e.g., Walmart vs. local Macy’s) could refine this.

• For local insights, tools like Placer.ai or chamber of commerce reports can provide foot traffic data for specific supermarkets or department stores.

Genesis Responded:

The exact number of consumers who shop at anchor businesses is difficult to determine. 

Anchor Businesses Generate High Foot Traffic:

• Anchor businesses, like large department stores, supermarkets, and big-box retailers, often serve as the primary draw for consumers visiting a shopping center or mall.
• These businesses consistently attract shoppers.
• Examples of anchor businesses include Walmart, Target, and Macy's, which draw large numbers of shoppers. 

Impact on Surrounding Businesses:

• Anchor businesses can increase foot traffic for other stores.
• Consumers visiting an anchor store may also explore other retailers, which can increase overall sales for the shopping center. 

Challenges in Measuring Consumer Numbers:

• It is difficult to isolate the exact number of consumers who shop specifically at the anchor business versus those who visit the center but shop elsewhere.
• Consumers may have varied shopping habits, with some only visiting the anchor store and others exploring a mix of stores. 

Summary: Anchor businesses are important for attracting consumers to shopping centers and malls, significantly impacting overall foot traffic and potentially benefiting surrounding businesses. However, precise data on the number of consumers who shop specifically at anchor businesses is limited.