Grocery stores come in all shapes and sizes, but most follow a similar layout to make the shopping experience convenient for customers. Understanding the typical grocery store layout can help shoppers locate items more efficiently and navigate the store better.
Produce Section
The produce section is usually one of the first departments customers see when entering a grocery store. This section contains fresh fruits, vegetables, and sometimes flowers. Produce is typically displayed in open bins or cases to allow shoppers to inspect the freshness and quality of items. Many stores spot mist produce to keep it looking ripe and appetizing. Some grocers may offer pre-cut and pre-packaged fruits and veggies for convenience.
Typical Produce:
- Fruits – apples, oranges, bananas, berries, melons, etc.
- Vegetables – lettuces, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, carrots, etc.
- Herbs – cilantro, parsley, basil, mint, etc.
- Mushrooms
- Fresh-cut produce – pre-cut fruit bowls, salad mixes, etc.
Bakery
The in-store bakery features freshly baked breads, cakes, pies, cookies, and other baked goods. Some grocers will bake products on-site to fill the department with the smell of fresh bread and goodies throughout the day. The bakery section typically has self-serve areas for more common items like loaves of bread. Specialty cakes and other custom orders may need to be placed at the bakery counter.
Typical Bakery Items:
- Breads – sliced bread, baguettes, rolls, etc.
- Pastries – donuts, muffins, croissants, turnovers, etc.
- Cakes and pies
- Cookies
Deli Counter
The deli features freshly prepared salads, meats, cheeses, and ready-to-eat entrees. Customers can get deli meat and cheese sliced to order for sandwiches and charcuterie boards. Many delis will also have a hot bar with prepared hot dishes and sides by the pound. Self-serve olive bars and salad bars may also be located in the deli section.
Typical Deli Offerings:
- Sliced deli meats – ham, turkey, roast beef, etc.
- Sliced cheeses
- Prepared salads – potato salad, pasta salad, etc.
- Hot foods bar
- Olive bar
- Salad bar
Meat Department
The meat department contains a full selection of fresh meat cuts. Most stores will have a butcher on staff to prepare steaks, chops, roasts, ground meat, and more to order. Refrigerated meat cases display pre-packaged cuts. Specialty meats like marinated and seasoned meats may be featured as well. The meat department may also carry poultry, pork, lamb, and seafood.
Typical Meat Department Offerings:
- Beef – steaks, roasts, ground beef, etc.
- Pork – chops, tenderloins, bacon, etc.
- Chicken – whole chickens, breasts, thighs, etc.
- Lamb
- Seafood – salmon, shrimp, tilapia, etc.
Dairy
The dairy section features refrigerated cases of milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, eggs, and other dairy products. Shoppers can find gallons and half gallons of milk, or grab single-serve yogurt drinks and puddings. Specialty cheeses and eggs from cage-free chickens may also be sold. This department typically spans along the back wall of the store and has multiple entrance points.
Typical Dairy Products:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Butter and margarine
- Eggs
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
Frozen Foods
The frozen foods section contains a wide variety of frozen meals, vegetables, desserts, and more that shoppers can stock up on. Doorless freezer cases make it easy to browse and access different items. This section may also include frozen breakfast foods like waffles and pancakes.
Typical Frozen Foods:
- Frozen meals and entrées
- Ice cream and frozen novelties
- Frozen vegetables and fruits
- Frozen breakfast foods
- Frozen snacks and appetizers
Beverages
Beverages like juice, soda, bottled water, coffee, and tea are displayed together in one area for easy shopping.Shelves contain a variety of soda brands and flavors. The beverage section also includes cooler cases of milk, juice, yogurt drinks, and other chilled beverages. Beer, wine, and liquor may be sold in a separate packaged goods section based on local liquor sale laws.
Typical Beverage Options:
- Soda
- Juice
- Bottled water
- Iced tea
- Coffee
- Energy and sports drinks
- Plant-based milk alternatives
Packaged and Canned Goods
Center store aisles contain shelves of packaged dry goods and canned items. Categories are clearly marked so shoppers can easily navigate to snacks, cereal, canned goods, spices, baking ingredients, and more. Many items are arranged on shelves from top to bottom in order of price. Sale items may be featured on special displays located in aisles.
Typical Center Store Items:
- Cereal
- Snacks – chips, pretzels, crackers, etc.
- Canned goods – vegetables, beans, soup, etc.
- Pasta, rice, grains
- Sauces and condiments
- Spices and seasonings
- Oil, vinegar
- Flour, sugar, baking
Frozen Meals
The frozen meals section will contain pre-made frozen breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Shoppers can grab and go with frozen pizzas, burritos, TV dinners, breakfast sandwiches, prepared frozen vegetables and sides, and more. National and store brands are stocked as well as healthy and dietary-restricted options.
Typical Frozen Meals & Entrees:
- Pizza
- Burritos and chimichangas
- TV dinners
- Frozen breakfast sandwiches
- Frozen veggies and sides
- Lean Cuisine meals
- Amy’s vegan and gluten-free meals
Pharmacy
Many major grocery chains now include in-store pharmacies for the convenience of filling prescriptions while shopping. The pharmacy is typically located at the back corner of the store and may have a consultation window for talking with a pharmacist. Shoppers can also browse pharmacy shelves for over-the-counter medications, health and wellness products, first aid supplies, and more.
Typical Pharmacy Offerings:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Pain relievers
- Cold and flu remedies
- Digestive aids
- First aid supplies
- Vitamins and supplements
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Beauty products and personal care essentials like shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste are conveniently stocked together in one department. Shoppers can find makeup, hair care, skincare, shaving needs, feminine products, and more. Popular cosmetic brands may have branded displays.
Typical Personal Care Offerings:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair styling products
- Deodorant
- Feminine care
- Oral care – toothpaste, mouthwash
- Shaving needs
- Soap and body wash
- Cosmetics – makeup, skincare
Pet Food and Supplies
Pet owners can pick up pet food, toys, treats, and other essentials in the pet care section without having to make an extra trip to the pet store. Dry and canned cat and dog foods are stocked along with cat litter. Shoppers may also find small pets like hamsters and fish sold in this area along with their accessories.
Typical Pet Section Items:
- Cat and dog food
- Cat litter
- Pet treats
- Pet toys
- Pet beds and accessories
- Fish supplies
- Small pets like hamsters
Household Cleaning and Laundry
All the household cleaning products and laundry essentials are grouped in one location for speedy shopping. Shoppers can stock up on dishwashing detergent, all-purpose cleaners, window wash, laundry detergent and supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, and more cleaning basics.
Typical Cleaning Offerings:
- Dishwashing liquid
- All-purpose cleaners
- Disinfecting wipes and sprays
- Laundry detergent
- Bleach
- Dryer sheets
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
Baby Care
Parents can conveniently pick up baby food, formula, diapers, wipes, and other childcare essentials all in one spot. The baby department typically stocks several brands of formula and baby food. Diapers and wipes are arranged by size. Shoppers may also find baby toiletries, feeding supplies, and accessories.
Typical Baby Department Items:
- Baby food and formula
- Diapers and wipes
- Baby toiletries – soap, lotion, shampoo
- Pacifiers
- Feeding bottles and supplies
- Baby medicines
International and Specialty Foods
For diversity of selection, many stores have a section dedicated to international foods and gourmet specialty items. Shoppers can browse aisles of Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, kosher, organic, gluten-free, and other specialty products. This section may also carry cooking oils, vinegars, and other gourmet ingredients.
Typical International Offerings:
- Mexican – tortillas, beans, salsa, peppers, spices
- Asian – soy sauce, sesame oil, noodles, curry paste, sushi
- Italian – pasta, olive oil, tomato sauce, olives, peppers
- Middle Eastern – hummus, tahini, pita, falafel
- Kosher foods
Checkout and Front End
After shopping the aisles, customers line up at the checkout lanes to pay for purchases. Self checkout lanes give shoppers a quicker option for smaller trips. The front of the store typically displays last minute impulse purchase items like magazines, candy, gift cards, flowers, and snack items while customers wait to checkout. Customer service and information kiosks may also be located up front.
Front End Services:
- Cashier checkout lanes
- Self checkout lanes
- Customer service desk
- ATM machine
- Redbox movie/video game rentals
- Cart and basket storage
Conclusion
While grocery stores may differ in exact layout details and department ordering, most adhere to a similar flow using product categories to guide customers from section to section. Produce and perishables like meat and dairy start the journey. Shelves of dry goods and packaged items fill the center. Frozen foods, personal care items, household essentials, and pet supplies line the outer aisles. Following this familiar blueprint gives shoppers a sense of direction and order in stores of all sizes.