The grocery wars in Massachusetts have shifted from building massive new superstores to a strategic game of “retail Tetris.” In 2026, the biggest news isn’t just about who is building fresh, but who is smart enough to take over the prime real estate left behind by others.
From the South Shore to the North Shore, and the heated battle at the Rhode Island border, here is how the Bay State’s grocery landscape is changing this year.
Big Y: The “Backfill” King
Springfield-based Big Y is executing the most aggressive expansion strategy in the state this year, capitalizing on the “retail apocalypse” by snapping up vacancies left by competitors.
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- Pembroke: In a major win for the South Shore, Big Y is taking over the former…