Crystal Proenza is associate editor of Real Estate Florida magazine.

HOLLYWOOD, FL-Grocery chains are resilient and can adapt to economic downturns, though their future depends on the success of overseas grocers expanding into the US market, experts told the International Council of Shopping Centers during its annual Conference on Open-Air Centers here Thursday.

Two European grocers, Germany's Aldi and British-based Tesco, are opening stores across the country in markets where traditional supermarkets have commanded strong market share for decades. However, the new competitors pose no significant threat to existing domestic grocers, according to Mary Lou Fiala, president and COO of Regency Centers Corp., who moderated a panel discussion on the future of grocery stores.

"It depends who it is," Fiala told GlobeSt.com later Thursday. For example, Aldi caters to customers seeking discount foods, while specialty grocers such as Sedano's, a South Florida grocer that targets the Hispanic market, aren't likely to be affected.