Mamdani unveils city-run groceries offering 30% discounts on staples

New York Mayor Mamdani announced a plan to open five city-owned grocery stores that will discount a core basket of essentials by 30% each month (roughly $90 per shopper per month). The stores, run by private operators but owned by the city, will not sell hot foods, cigarettes, alcohol or lottery to avoid competing with local bodegas. The first Bronx location is expected next year, with East Harlem opening by 2029, and all five stores slated to launch by 2029, supported by about $70 million in capital funding. Critics worry it could hurt neighborhood bodegas, but officials argue it preserves smaller items and focus on affordability.