MESA, Ariz. -- The Phoenix-area grocery store business is about to get a lot more competitive. Idaho-based warehouse chain WinCo Foods has announced plans to begin work on two stores in Mesa and Gilbert, but so far no opening dates have been announced.
The East Valley Tribune reports WinCo has scouted locations across the Phoenix-area since at least 2010. Supermarket industry consultant David J. Livingston says WinCo's debut could shake up the market with a focus on low prices and strong customer service.
Livingston adds the recession and slow recovery help a chain like WinCo expand because more consumers have become price-conscious.
WinCo locations feature a no-frills interior and customers bag their own groceries to keep costs down. WinCo has more than 80 stores in six western states.
