A grocery chain is a network or group of supermarkets, stores and shops that sell food items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bakery goods, snacks, beverages, and other household essentials. These chains may operate under different names but are typically owned by the same parent company. Examples of grocery chains include Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Whole Foods Market, among others. The term "grocery chain" refers to a specific type of retail business that specializes in selling food products directly to consumers.