This report focuses on how Hispanic consumers shop at mass merchandisers. With data-backed analysis, this report enables your brand to resonate effectively with this key shopper demographic.
Topics Analyzed
- Hispanic consumers’ online and in-store shopping habits at mass merchandisers.
- Items purchased at mass merchandisers and effects of inflation.
- Reasons for shopping with mass merchandisers and shopping occasions.
- Retailer and brand loyalty.
- Desired improvements from mass merchandisers.
- Competitive strategies and market opportunities to reach Hispanic shoppers.
Hispanic Consumers’ Shopping Trends at Mass Merchandisers
Hispanic consumers gravitate towards in-store shopping for mass merchandisers, but seamless integration between online and in-store is key as Hispanic consumers engage with both channels more frequently compared to the overall population.
Experience is key
For Hispanic consumers experience is key, and the tactile experience, ease, and reassurance that in-person shopping offers transform the shopping experience into something more than a mere chore.
Cultural preferences matter
In general, Hispanic consumers view leading mass retailers favorably but also seek enhancements like greater diversity in product selections and better in-store experiences.
They want to see marketing campaigns and product ranges that resonate with their tastes and cultural preferences. This opens up collaboration opportunities for brands looking to engage with this demographic.
Opportunity for retailers
Consumers of all household income stratas are shopping mass merchandisers today and retailers have an opportunity to retain higher-income brackets with solutions that will appeal to all Hispanic consumers, including a wider selection of food and drink items.
Report Scope
Mintel has defined a mass merchandiser as a large retail store offering a wide range of product categories, often at discounted prices, including but not limited to appliances; clothing and accessories; footwear; furniture; office equipment; household products; health, beauty and personal care products; electronics; music and entertainment; sporting goods; food and beverages. These stores have central customer checkout areas, generally located in the front of the store, and may have additional cash registers located in one or more individual departments.
This Report focuses on key national players in the market including Walmart, Target, and it will also address other regional players such as Meijer.
This Report builds on the analysis presented in Mintel’s Mass Merchandisers – US – 2023 and is a companion to Mintel’s Black Consumers and Shopping at Mass Merchandisers – US – 2024.
Hispanic consumers of all incomes are drawn to the value offered by mass merchandisers and now is the time to draw less brand loyal and more discerning consumers.
Stefanie Kundakjian
Research Analyst
-
Executive Summary
- What you need to know
- Consumer trends: key takeaways
- Market predictions
- Opportunities
-
TARGET AUDIENCE OVERVIEW
- Hispanic consumers by the numbers
- A growing share of the population is Hispanic
- Graph 1: percent of US population, by Hispanic origin, 2018-28
- Graph 2: generation distribution, by Hispanic origin, 2023
- Hispanic consumers live in larger households and are more likely to have children in the home
- Graph 3: households with related children under the age of 18 living at home, by Hispanic origin, 2021
- Graph 4: average number of people per household, by race and Hispanic origin, 2021
- Hispanic consumers are more prevalent in specific states and split between urban and suburban areas
- Graph 5: type of area where Hispanic consumers live, 2024
- Hispanic consumer finances
- Labor interruptions during COVID-19 are largely in the rearview mirror
- Graph 6: Labor Force Participation and Unemployment Rate, by all and Hispanic, 2019-24
- Hispanic consumers’ median household income has been steadily increasing; household income impacts shopping frequency
- Graph 7: median household income (% annual change), by Hispanic consumers vs all, 2011-20
- Hispanic consumers’ buying power will climb to $2.8 trillion in 2026
- Culture, as well as household income, play a role in shopping habits
- Graph 8: median household net worth, by Hispanic country of origin, 2020
- A greater share of Hispanic consumers’ annual expenditures goes toward food at home and other household necessities
- Graph 9: average annual expenditures (% share) – select items, by Hispanic origin, 2022
- Mean annual expenditures for key categories are not dissimilar for Hispanic and off non-Hispanic consumers
- Graph 10: average annual expenditures (mean $) – select items, by Hispanic origin, 2022
-
MARKET DYNAMICS
- Market context
- The majority of Hispanic consumers consider themselves less brand-loyal now due to higher prices, creates opportunities for store brands
- Graph 11: “I am less loyal to brands right now due to higher prices,” by Hispanic origin, 2023
- Brands may have to work harder to gain loyalty among Hispanic consumers
- Hispanic consumers find value in mass merchandisers, but there’s a need to stay competitive with dollar stores and discount stores
- Graph 12: retailers shopped by Hispanic consumers – any shopping (net), 2023
- Supercenters and warehouse clubs make up the bulk of the mass merchandiser market
- Graph 13: total US retail sales and forecast of mass merchandisers ($ bn), by segment, at current prices, 2018-28
- Market drivers
- Hispanic consumers are finally experiencing some relief at the checkout counter
- Graph 14: Consumer Price Index change from previous year, 2021-23
- While consumer sentiment is up, they are split between spending and being cautious
- Hispanic consumers, for the most part, are financially stable showing an increase in those who have a healthy financial situation
- Graph 15: assessment of personal financial situation, 2022-24
-
Consumer Insights
- Consumer fast facts
- Retailers shopped and shopping method
- Omnichannel engagement is key with Hispanic consumers as they shop online and in-store at higher rates than the general population
- Graph 16: retailers shopped at in past 12 months – NET, Hispanic consumers vs. general population, 2024
- Hispanic consumers shop online and in-person, but prefer to shop in-person
- Graph 17: attitudes towards shopping in-person and online, 2024
- In-store shopping continues to be the preferred method of shopping, as Hispanic consumers crave brick and mortar experiences
- Graph 18: retailers shopped at in past 12 months (in-person), Hispanic consumers vs all, 2024
- Amazon continues to dominate online retail, but mass merchandisers with online presence keep apace
- Graph 19: retailers shopped at in past 12 months (online), Hispanic consumers vs all, 2024
- The Amazon effect raises the bar for all mass merchandisers, but there’s opportunities to remain competitive especially with higher earners
- Consumers start their shopping journey at mass retailers, pointing to the importance of a seamless purchase journey alongside appealing to value
- Graph 20: behaviors towards shopping – first stop a mass merchandiser, 2024
- Gen Z and Gen X are more likely than their general population counterparts to start their shopping journey at a mass merchandisers
- Graph 21: behaviors toward shopping – first stop a mass merchandiser, by Hispanic consumers vs all, by generation, 2024
- Parents are busy consumers trying to do it all; meet them where they are at and ensure seamlessness and convenience
- Graph 22: retailers shopped online in past 12 months, by parental status, 2024
- Reasons for shopping at mass merchandisers
- Differences between Hispanic consumers and the general population points to opportunities to stand out from the rest
- Graph 23: reasons for shopping mass merchandisers, by Hispanic consumers vs all, 2024
- Hispanic consumers don’t want to compromise on quality, are looking for a fair price and products they can trust
- Graph 24: top reasons for shopping at mass merchandisers (select up to 5), 2024
- A product’s price must be competitive and reflect the quality they expect
- Graph 25: attitudes towards mass merchandisers – quality vs price, 2024
- Room to engage with Hispanic Gen Z women with private label
- Graph 26: reasons for shopping mass merchandisers – “good quality store brands,” by Hispanic vs all consumers, by gender and generation, 2024
- Retain higher-income earners through product selection
- Graph 27: top reasons for shopping mass merchandisers – “product selection” (select up to 5), by household income, 2024
- Lean into everyday value, wide selection of items for the whole family, and an enjoyable in-store/online experience
- Affordable prices, products for the whole family and enjoyable in-store experience are top motivators for in-store mass merchandiser shoppers
- Online mass merchandiser shoppers cite similar reasons for shopping with these retailers compared to in-store shoppers
- Items purchased
- Hispanic consumers are highly engaged across all categories at mass merchadisers, but there’s room to grow food/beverage and BPC purchasing
- Graph 28: items purchased at mass merchandisers – NETs, Hispanic consumers vs all, 2024
- Cater to family needs to attract and retain Hispanic consumers who are more likely to have children in the household
- Graph 29: items purchased at mass merchandisers – electronics and toys/games, by Hispanic consumers vs all, 2024
- Graph 30: items purchased at mass merchandisers, 2024
- Men are more likely to purchase electronics, women buying toys and games
- Graph 31: items purchased at mass merchandisers, by gender, 2024
- While a majority of Hispanics across generations buy BPC from mass merchandisers, Millennials buck the trend
- Graph 32: items purchased at mass merchandisers – any BPC – NET, by Hispanic consumers vs all by generation, 2024
- Lean into fashion-forward and identity-expressive apparel akin to their own preferences to draw Hispanic parents
- Graph 33: items purchased at mass merchandisers – any apparel – NET, by parental status, 2024
- Hispanic men are stepping up the fashion
- Millennial Hispanics underindex for household essentials; attract this generation with promotional offers and natural ingredients
- Graph 34: items purchased at mass merchandisers – household essentials, by generation, 2024
- Room for “Spanglish” and other cues outside of language since English speakers more likely to shop for food/beverage
- Graph 35: items purchased at mass merchandisers – any food or beverage – NET, by language preference, 2024
- Highlight furniture and home decor in marketing to younger women who are significantly more engaged
- Graph 36: items purchased at mass merchandisers – any furniture & home décor – NET, by gender and age, 2024
- Interest in buy now pay later can help consumers make purchases in categories they feel are more discretionary
- Graph 37: attitudes toward mass merchadisers “I am interested in using flexible payment options,” by generation, 2024
- Importance of omnichannel apparent by the nearly identical share of consumers who shop online and in-person
- Graph 38: items shopped at mass merchandisers, in-store and online, 2024
- Retailer and brand loyalty
- , Mass merchandisers have done well in being a go-to shopping destination, sustain loyalty through collaborations and store brands
- Graph 39: mass merchandiser behaviors – do most shopping at one retailer, Hispanic consumers vs all, 2024
- Collaboration drives loyalty: spotlight on Millennial Lotería
- Spanish speakers are more loyal to one mass merchandiser and are more likelty to switch to store brands, but risks for shopping around exists
- Graph 40: mass merchandiser behaviors – loyalty and switching, by language preference, 2024
- Hispanic consumers spend a larger share of their household income on necessities and will be more sensitive to inflationary pressures
- Graph 41: mass merchandiser behaviors – switching to store brands, Hispanic consumers vs all, 2024
- Retailers can address the ways Hispanic consumers are shopping at a time when budgets aren’t going as far as they used to
- Parents more incentivized by paid loyalty membership benefits, but indicate needing more support to understand benefits/value
- Graph 42: paid loyalty memberships – factor in deciding where to shop (select up to 5) and attitudes toward (any agree), by parental status, 2024
- Parents tend to make more impulse purchases when shopping at mass merchandisers
- Graph 43: behaviors towards mass merchandisers – impulse purchases, by parental status, 2024
- Desired improvements
- Hispanic consumers value a variety of quality products at good prices, including more Hispanic brands, and appreciate coupons
- Graph 44: desired improvements, 2024
- Hispanic consumers are happy with the quality of store brands and want more environmentally-friendly shopping options
- Graph 45: desired improvements, by Hispanic consumers vs all, 2024
- Savings should be accompanied by wider Hispanic/Latino product offerings and shorter checkout lines to attract eight in 10 Hispanic consumers
- Personalized promotions/coupons are the top fact that would encourage increased shopping frequency at mass merchandisers
- Hispanic consumers of Mexican and Central American origin/descent want expedient shopping experiences
- Graph 46: desired improvements – shorter checkout lines, by country of origin/descent, 2024
- Investing in cashier innovations can drive loyalty: spotlight on Aldi Süd
- Higher household income earners want more Hispanic/Latino brand offerings
- Graph 47: desired improvements – more Hispanic/Latino ingredients and products, by household income, 2024
- Hispanic consumers are attentive to corporate responsibility, need transparency and clarity around retailers’ ethics
- Graph 48: attitudes towards mass merchandisers – corporate social responsibility, 2024
- Hispanic parents want help to be more sustainable; provide sustainable products/services that align with values
- Graph 49: attitudes towards mass merchandisers (any agree) – corporate social responsibility, by parental status, 2024
-
Competitive Strategies
- Competitive strategies and market opportunities
- Launch of revamped Target Circle/Target to launch paid membership program to rival Amazon Prime, Walmart+
- Enhancements to in-store experience: Walmart
- Customers asked for expansions to private label and Target listened
- Opportunities
- Lean into in-store experiences to retain omnichannel consumers
- Revolutionize the in-store experience through strategic tech investments
- Enhance interactivity with products with immersive online experiences
-
Appendix
- Market definition
- Consumer research methodology
- TURF methodology
- Generations
- Abbreviations and Terms
Market Intelligence Made Easier With Mintel
The first Mintel Market Intelligence report was published over 50 years ago. Since then, we have provided our unique insights and understanding of consumers, innovation and global markets to thousands of customers worldwide. Here’s why our customers rely on Mintel:
- Gain a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the market: Mintel reports blend consumer research, market forecasts, product innovation tracking, and competitive analysis, allowing businesses to see every angle of their industry and identify new opportunities quickly.
- Make decisions with confidence, grounded in robust data: Each report draws on up-to-date, reliable information from trusted sources and industry experts, ensuring your strategies are based on solid evidence rather than speculation.
- Benefit from expert analysis and practical recommendations: Mintel’s reports are written by experienced analysts who interpret complex data and provide clear, actionable insights you can trust to guide your next moves.
- Stay ahead with actionable intelligence on market trends and consumer behaviour: By combining fresh research with long-term market monitoring, our reports help businesses anticipate changes and adapt strategically. So you’re prepared to make informed decisions and drive growth.
What goes into a Mintel Market Intelligence Report?
Curious about how a Market Intelligence report comes together? We like to think of it as building a detailed puzzle. We start with individual pieces: data from consumers, market statistics, industry trends, and online conversations. Then our expert analysts add world-class human insight and industry knowledge. The pieces are assembled to reveal a clear, comprehensive picture of a market.
The Four Pillars of Our Research
We use a combination of four main research methods when creating our reports, each adding a valuable perspective:
- Consumer Research: Direct surveys with real people, giving us clear, current insights into what people think and do.
- Desk Research: In-depth review of trusted data sources. We use this rich database, plus powerful internal tools that track new products and market sizes, to detect trends and guide forecasts.
- Trade Research: Insights from conversations with industry experts. Their real-world experience helps us understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Brand and Social Media Research: Analysis of online opinions and trends. This lets us spot trends, measure brand sentiment, and capture feedback in real time, adding further depth to our research.
Bringing It All Together
Each of these four pillars provides a different piece of the puzzle. Consumer research tells us what customers think, desk research provides the factual framework, trade research offers an insider’s view, and social media analysis reveals public sentiment.
Our expert analysts are skilled in weaving these diverse data streams together. They apply a range of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to uncover the deeper story, connecting the dots to deliver clear, actionable insights. This comprehensive, multi-layered process is how we transform raw data into a market intelligence report you can trust to inform your most important business decisions.
-
Download today with instant access
Pay via credit card or invoice (net 30 payment terms)
-
Multiple formats provided
We send a PDF, Powerpoint and Excel Databook straight to your inbox. An interactive version of the report is also available on our online platform
-
Interactive databook included
Focus on the data that matters most to you with a customisable databook avaliable on our platform
-
Save up to 20% when you purchase multiple reports
Discount automatically applied in basket
Next Starts Here
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn moreTrusted by global industry leaders
Next Starts Here
Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.
Learn more