Supermarkets

A supermarket is a large, self-service retail store that primarily sells food and household goods. They typically operate as part of a chain and use a high-volume, low-margin model to offer a wide assortment of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, bakery items, dry groceries, beverages, frozen foods, and various non-food items such as cleaning supplies and personal care products. Many supermarkets also feature services such as pharmacies, delis, or in-store departments depending on the market.

The modern supermarket originated in the early twentieth century in the United States with the introduction of self-service formats. The postwar era saw rapid growth of larger supermarkets and the emergence of superstores and hypermarkets, enabling broader product ranges and more integrated supply chains. Over time, supermarkets have expanded globally, adapting to local preferences and regulatory environments while adopting advances in logistics, information systems, and customer service.

Operations and formats vary by region but share core practices. Supermarkets rely on centralized purchasing, distribution networks, and cross-docking to maintain stock levels across many locations. They use both national brands and private labels, employ promotional pricing and loyalty programs, and prioritize efficient layouts to facilitate cross-merchandising. Formats range from traditional supermarkets to large hypermarkets, discount or warehouse formats, and online grocery platforms offering delivery or pickup.

Impact and trends. Supermarkets are major employers and play a central role in modern food retail and urban economies. They face ongoing pressures around competition, labor conditions, food waste, and environmental impact. Trends include omnichannel shopping, private-label expansion, sustainability efforts, and the use of data analytics to tailor assortments and promotions.