Lifestyle

From Erewhon to Harrods: The 10 Most Expensive Grocery Stores in the World

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Sep 25, 2024 / 4882 Views

Imagine walking into a grocery store where everything screams ‘extra.’ No coupons, no sales racks, just pure unfiltered luxury for those who believe in balling out, even when it comes to a loaf of bread. Welcome to the world of the most expensive grocery stores in the world, where your average shopping list could cost as much as your rent. These aren’t just grocery stores; they’re culinary cathedrals, temples of taste, and status symbols.

From Harrods in London to Erewhon in Los Angeles, these stores are famed for their exclusive selections, gourmet products, and prices that could make anyone’s jaw drop. Before the hunger strikes, let’s dive into the opulent aisles of these premium grocery chains where the price tags are as elite as their clientele.

The most expensive grocery stores in the world: Erewhon, Harrods, and more

1. Harrods Food Hall (London, UK)

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like British royalty while grocery shopping, Harrods Food Hall is the place to be. Nestled in London’s glitzy Knightsbridge, this isn’t your average grocery store; it’s an iconic institution. Picture aisles filled with the finest caviar, truffle oils that cost more than your weekly groceries, and chocolates that look like they belong in a museum. Harrods is a mix of old-world charm and modern extravagance, where every detail from the chandeliers to the marble floors whispers and screams luxury. As the holder of the title for most expensive grocery store in the world, Harrods boasts an average basket price of USD 521.14 for 20 items.

Harrods offers high-end items such as caviar that retails at USD 330 per kilogram, truffle-infused products, and rare, artisanal goods sourced from global regions. The cost of a basket containing essentials like bread, butter, and fresh produce can be easily double that of other upscale markets. The store attracts customers who are willing to pay extra for premium, often hard-to-find products while browsing in the most luxurious setting. Harrods isn’t just about what you buy but how it makes you feel — like you’re part of an exclusive club of culinary connoisseurs who shop where the elite do.

2. Erewhon Market (Los Angeles, USA)

Erewhon isn’t just a grocery store; it’s a Lifestyle. The kind of Lifestyle that has you sipping on a USD 19 adaptogenic, activated smoothie in yoga pants that cost more than your grocery bill. With only a handful of stores in Los Angeles, Erewhon has built a reputation as the go-to spot for Hollywood A-listers and wellness warriors. This is where you go to find that rare kombucha or a ‘moon juice‘ beverage. The reason Erewhon is often called America’s most expensive grocery store is simple — it’s curated to perfection.

The prices are generally 30-50 percent higher than in conventional grocery stores. Each product screams ‘clean,’ ‘organic,’ and ‘we care about where it comes from.’ Even their water aisle looks like it belongs in an art gallery. And the secret to its cult status? The store’s ultra-curated vibe makes you feel like you’re part of an exclusive Health-conscious club. The brand’s USP lies in its promise of quality and exclusivity, targeting a wellness-oriented demographic that doesn’t mind paying more for what they believe is the best.

3. La Grande Épicerie de Paris (Paris, France)

Step into La Grande Épicerie de Paris, and it feels like you’ve entered the Louvre of food. This Parisian gem is all about that chic, gourmet life. Here, grocery shopping is an art form; the produce is as carefully curated as a fashion runway. From USD 50 jars of hand-picked olives to USD 500 bottles of vintage balsamic vinegar, the average basket of goods is not in your average double digits. Famous for its fine wines, imported cheeses, and gourmet meats, it caters to those looking to indulge in the very best of French and international cuisine.

Every item tells a story – with sections dedicated to exotic spices, some of which are priced over USD 50 per small jar, freshly baked pastries, and a cheese room that smells like heaven (if heaven smelled like cheese), La Grande Épicerie doesn’t just sell groceries; it sells experiences. This is where you go when you want to splurge on your senses and live your best life, Parisian-style. It’s the type of place where “oh, I just grabbed some milk” could mean you dropped a casual EUR 20 on a small-batch, organic, hand-delivered bottle.

4. Dean & DeLuca (New York City, USA & Japan)

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Dean & DeLuca may have had its heyday in NYC, but the brand still thrives in Japan, where its reputation as a gourmet haven lives on. Dean & DeLuca was never just about food; it was about enjoying moments, a Lifestyle, and yes, a bit of an ego trip. Think beautifully packaged pasta sauces, USD 100 cheese platters, and other goods that look too pretty to eat. Even though its American stores have shuttered, its overseas presence continues to uphold that legacy of luxury. Known for imported products, fine charcuterie, and specialty condiments, the store maintains its high price point by focusing on quality and a curated selection. Dean & DeLuca counts itself among the pioneers that popularised gourmet grocery shopping as a Lifestyle choice.

5. Marqt (Netherlands)

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Marqt is like that cool, ethical friend who only buys organic, shops local, and somehow makes it look fashionable. This Dutch brand is all about conscious consumption — zero waste, fair trade, and local produce. Marqt is one of the most expensive grocery stores in the world, with an average basket price 20-40 percent higher than typical Dutch supermarkets. Their eggs, for example, can cost USD 6 for six, nearly double the cost at standard supermarkets.

With prices higher than your regular grocery stores, the brand is designed for those who want to feel good about what they eat and where it comes from. Imagine a shopping cart filled with ethically-sourced quinoa, Dutch artisanal cheeses, and fresh, organic produce. And, of course, a hefty receipt at the end that’s the price of a small night out. Marqt proves that ethical shopping isn’t cheap, but is totally worth it if you’re into saving the planet in style.

6. Whole Foods Market (Global)

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Whole Foods, aka ‘Whole Paycheck’ is the OG when it comes to pricey, organic shopping. This store has practically redefined the grocery Game, turning it into a Health and wellness mecca. Walking into Whole Foods is like stepping into a Health food utopia, where the air smells of freshly baked gluten-free bread, and the aisles are lined with grass-fed, organic, non-GMO, vegan, free-range everything. With average prices being 34 percent higher than traditional grocery stores, the average basket here can cost anywhere around USD 200-300, depending on the choice of organic and specialty items. Though it’s more accessible than other most expensive grocery stores in the world, it’s still one of the priciest places to get your groceries. But people are happy to pay for the experience, quality, and the bragging rights of saying, “I shop at Whole Foods.”

7. Waitrose (UK)

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Waitrose is the place to be if you’re after a posh British grocery experience. Known for its premium selection of everything from wines to sustainably sourced fish, Waitrose is a bit like a high-end hotel that also happens to sell groceries. Customers are loyal to Waitrose not just for the products, but also for the feeling of shopping among “one’s own kind” — people who understand that quality comes at a price. It’s got that old-world charm, coupled with new-age ethics. And let’s not forget the Waitrose effect — neighbourhoods have been known to fight for the chance to have one nearby, because it drives up local property values. That’s the kind of clout we’re talking about.

8. Jasons The Gourmet Grocer (Singapore)

A grocery store that feels more like a five-star hotel lobby, Jasons The Gourmet Grocer is where Singapore’s high society goes to buy their imported goodies. This is a place where a simple bag of chips could set you back more than a fancy dinner. Jason’s is not about having everything, but about having the best of everything — whether it’s Japanese Wagyu beef or rare French cheeses. An average basket can cost around USD 180, driven by high import fees and the luxury positioning of its products. Every product is a flex, and every aisle is curated to make you feel like you’re browsing through a gourmet food gallery.

9. Coop (Switzerland)

Switzerland’s Coop is where you go when you want luxury without losing the earthy vibe of a local grocery store. Known for its selection of sustainable, organic, and fair-trade products, Coop is all about that Swiss quality. It’s the kind of place where even a basic loaf of bread can cost a small fortune, but it’s all part of the charm. Coop’s approach is to blend local culture with premium pricing, making it one of the most expensive grocery stores in the world without the need to boast.

Which of these most expensive grocery stores in the world are you looking forward to visiting?

(Main Image: Carlos R. Hernandez/ Los Angeles Architects; Featured Image: Montalba Architects, RDC, and Abbott Construction)