Puoti

Puoti is a Finnish word that generally translates to "shop" or "store" in English. It refers to a commercial establishment where goods are sold to consumers. The term is broad and can encompass a wide variety of retail outlets, from small independent businesses to larger chain stores.

In Finland, the concept of a "puoti" is deeply embedded in everyday life. Historically, these were often local establishments serving the immediate community, offering essential goods. Today, "puoti" can describe anything from a corner store selling groceries and newspapers to a specialized boutique offering clothing or crafts.

The word itself has a familiar and somewhat cozy connotation for many Finns, often evoking a sense of local character and personal service. While larger supermarkets and hypermarkets are also common, the term "puoti" frequently implies a smaller, more intimate retail experience. For example, one might refer to an "herkkupuoti" (a delicacy shop) or a "käsityöpuoti" (a handicraft shop) to denote specific types of businesses. The term is a fundamental part of the Finnish vocabulary related to commerce and retail.