Store refresh for sales growth
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Is Grocery Outlet's Store Refresh the Catalyst for a 2026 Turnaround?
ZACKSยท 2025-11-21 13:11
Core Insights - Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. (GO) has initiated a store refresh program in Q3 2025 to enhance in-store execution and boost sales performance in 2026 [1] - The program focuses on improving customer experience, brand value communication, and addressing competition [1] Store Refresh Program - The refresh targets three areas: store layout improvement, core product assortment expansion and standardization, and stronger in-store value messaging [2] - Pilot stores have shown strong performance with mid-single-digit increases in comparable sales and double-digit growth in fresh categories like meat and produce [2] Rollout Plans - Management plans to extend the refresh format to about 20 stores by the end of 2025 and at least 150 more by the end of 2026, with additional upgrades scheduled for 2027 [3] - The refresh program supports operational enhancements, including better forecasting tools and improved merchandising processes [3] Financial Projections - The store refresh program is expected to significantly improve comparable store sales growth in 2026, with an estimated payback period of 3.5 years [4] - Anticipated comparable store sales growth is approximately 2.5%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of 50 basis points in 2026 [4] Market Performance - Grocery Outlet's shares have declined by 47.5% over the past year, compared to a 17.7% decline in the industry [5] - The forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio for Grocery Outlet is 11.52, below the industry's ratio of 18.13, indicating a Value Score of A [6] Sales and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year growth of 7.8% in sales and 2.6% in earnings per share for the current financial year [9] - Current sales estimates for the year ending December 2025 are projected at $4.71 billion, with a growth estimate of 7.83% [10]