Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares have been outperforming in 2020.
While the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 11.7% this year, Coles and Woolworths shares have climbed 13.1% and 0.6%, respectively.
There are fears over a second coronavirus wave right now, particularly in Victoria. We saw ASX supermarket shares rocket higher earlier in the year, so will this time be any different?
Will ASX supermarket shares soar again?
I'm of the opinion that we won't see the same share price surges that we saw in February.
For one, I just don't think there will be the same level of panic buying this time around. While both Coles and Woolworths have introduced new buying restrictions, there are more options available to Aussies right now.
Restaurants and cafes are starting to re-open, which means more people can eat out now compared to March. That could mean that supermarket sales don't reach the same heights but Coles and Woolworths shares could still climb higher.
What's good about Coles and Woolworths shares?
While I don't think we'll see more surges, we could still see the Aussie supermarket shares finish the year strongly.
A recent SCA Property Group (ASX: SCP) trading update suggested strong turnover from its supermarket tenants up to 31 May 2020. That could be good news for Coles and Woolworths shares in the short to medium-term.
On top of that, Woolworths is working on some impressive automation projects with Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB). The new automated logistics centre could be a game-changer for operational efficiency for the supermarket giant.
Foolish takeaway
While panic buying may not return in 2020, that doesn't mean supermarket shares won't be worth buying.
If we see more share market volatility, the relatively steady earnings for the Aussie supermarkets could make Coles and Woolworths shares welcome portfolio additions.
