CORNER SHOPS VERSUS SUPERMARKETS

In the modern world, especially in urban settings, people purchase many of the products they need. In the past, stores were smaller family businesses where either groceries or fruit and veg were sold. However, lately big supermarket chains like Migros, Macro and Carrefour have started to replace them. The familiar corner shops are still present but they are fighting a losing battle against the big corporations. Comparing and contrasting these two options would shed light on the reasons for the competition. These two types of establishment may be compared in terms of practicality and atmosphere.

There are various practical considerations that distinguish supermarkets from corner shops the first of which is working hours. In the modern world where many people have full time jobs, shopping has to be done outside hours; after 18:00 for instance or at weekends. This is a definite plus for supermarkets which employ a lot of workers for the minimum wage and can afford to do this. In contrast, the corner shop, which is often run by a family, cannot; people have to eat and sleep. The second practical advantage is variety: people living on the fast lane have no time to go from one shop to another; they want to find everything they need together in one place. This is where supermarkets come in. The third practical advantage is prices: supermarkets can afford to charge less for products than corner shops; a definite plus. However, nothing in life is this simple; corner shops are still around and there is a reason for this.

There are various differences in terms of atmosphere that distinguish corner shops from supermarkets.  The main factor is the feel of the location: a supermarket is large and impersonal and a corner shop is warm and cozy. In the supermarket, no one gives you the time of day; for instance, I always thank the cashier at Shock but she has never responded or even looked at me. A corner shop is often run by a local family who are also neighbours; locals get to know them very well and their kids play together. People end up caring about them and vice versa. This means that the local shop owner will chat to customers and show concern; he will go out of his way to be helpful. All this brings loyalty. It is this familiarity that gives corner shops their staying power.

To sum up, shopping at a corner shop and at a supermarket are very different experiences. Both venues have their places in society but the familiar corner shops will probably be elbowed out of the market in the future as internet shopping takes over leading to the loss of a valuable shopping experience.