Supermarket

The concept of supermarket was initiated in the western nations and slowly spread to other countries across the globe. Being able to shop at your own pace and getting things at relatively lower prices has led to the success of supermarkets worldwide.

The first real supermarket was opened in the United States by ex-Kroger employee Michael J. Cullen, on 4th August, 1937. A typical supermarket in North America and Europe include items like baby food and products, confectionary, cosmetics, cereal, dairy products, bakery, diet food, frozen foods, fruits and vegetables, alcoholic products, flowers, meat, and other items. Supermarkets also have a special section for various household products such as crockery, glassware, knife sets, spoon sets, dishwasher, floor cleaners, and a whole range of kitchen items. The various supermarket chains in North America have received their supplies from the distribution centers of a bigger business, like the Loblaw Companies in Canada. The Loblaw Companies possess thousands of supermarkets across the US and also have a distribution center in every province.

Products at supermarkets are generally sold at lower prices by reducing margins. Therefore in order to maintain a profit, these markets try to make up for the low margins by a high overall volume of sales, and with sales of higher-margin products. Another important fact about supermarkets is that they are generally located close to residential area to offer convenience to consumers. One of the advantages of shopping at these markets is the convenience of parking which is available in plenty. The design and layout of most supermarkets across the world follow the marketing trends. This is done which the objective of ensuring that consumers spend all a lot of time in the store, walking past objects and capitalizing on impulse buying. In recent times supermarkets have introduced more new items so that customers can get everything under one single roof.

Apart from a supermarket there are many other different types of retailing outlet like single independent non-franchised stores, street markets, van retailing, warehouse club, departmental stores, distance retailing, and several other retail stores. Compared to all other the retail outlets, the supermarket today hold an advantageous position owing to its immense conveniences. Even in many Asian countries the concept of a supermarket has appealed to a large section of the population. As spending power of people are increasing more and more supermarkets are replacing traditional markets.

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