New York City’s mayor is following through on a signature campaign promise, with the city advancing plans for government-run grocery stores with cheaper prices.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is looking for operators to run five government-owned groceries across the city, which will feature a core group of staple products at reduced prices.
“Once a month, our five city-run grocery stores will set prices for this core set of goods at 30% below typical retail prices,” Mamdani said.
They can charge less because the stores will operate rent-free in government-owned buildings. Mayor Mamdani pushed back against concerns that they’ll put small local shops out of business.
“When you are speaking about a dense neighborhood, there is more than enough market for both existing grocers, as well as one city-run grocery store.”
Plans call for the first store to open by the end of 2027.
An NPR editor adapted this audio report by NPR’s Steve Kastenbaum.