Grocery Market Analysis and Needs Assessment

2026-11-03

The City of Muskegon ’ s Development Services Division is seeking proposals from qualified firms to conduct a comprehensive citywide grocery market analysis and needs assessment . The study will evaluate current grocery access , measure local demand , and recommend feasible grocery store models for the City . Project Objectives The selected firm will : • Conduct a citywide market analysis of grocery demand and food access . • Identify and evaluate the feasibility of different grocery models ( independent , co - op , chain , etc .). • Use community engagement to gather resident input on grocery preferences , needs , and barriers to access . • Provide clear recommendations for the most feasible grocery models in Muskegon , including rationale and actionable next steps . • Produce supportive mapping of existing grocery locations and walking - distance radii to illustrate coverage gaps ( context only , not site selection ). Scope of Work 1 ) Market Analysis a ) Review demographics , household income , and consumer spending patterns . b ) Conduct a grocery retail leakage analysis to determine where resident currently shop . c ) Provide an overview of existing grocery and food retail options within The City . 2 ) Community Needs Assessment a ) Design and implement community engagement ( surveys , focus groups , stakeholder interviews ). b ) Document barriers to grocery access ( transportation , affordability , convenience ). c ) Capture resident perspectives on preferred grocery store models . 3 ) Feasibility & Recommendations a ) Evaluate grocery store models for The City ’ s context ( scale , type , ownership structure ). b ) Assess feasibility from an economic , social , and operational perspective . c ) Provide actionable recommendations for next steps , including consideration for potential operators or partners . 4 ) Mapping ( Supportive ) a ) Develop maps showing existing grocery locations in The City with walkingdistance radii . b ) Use mapping to illustrate access gaps and support feasibility analysis ( not intended as a site selection exercise ).

MITN

2026-04-29