hypermarketin

Hypermarket is a large retail facility that combines grocery and general merchandise under one roof, designed to offer a wide assortment, competitive prices, and a one-stop shopping experience. Hypermarkets typically carry groceries, clothing, electronics, household goods, and usually a pharmacy and other services, often with a sizable parking area and an emphasis on self-service.

Stores are large, often exceeding 5,000 square meters and sometimes reaching 20,000 square meters or more. They are usually located in suburban or highway-adjacent locations to accommodate high-volume traffic. The layout groups departments by category, with dedicated areas for fresh produce, meat and seafood, dairy, non-food items, and a non-food aisles. Additional services may include pharmacies, banks, food courts, and photo counters.

The concept originated in the 1960s in France, where Carrefour and other chains began combining groceries with a broad non-food range. The hypermarket model spread worldwide and became a dominant format in many markets during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, offering scale economies and centralized purchasing.

Business model: hypermarkets rely on high sales volume and low margins, supported by large distribution centers, private-label products, extensive promotions, and aggressive space utilization. They are commonly owned by national or international retail groups and may be integrated with e-commerce and store pickup.

Impact and trends: they contribute to job creation and regional logistics but can affect small retailers and urban development. In response to changing shopping habits, many hypermarkets offer online ordering, home delivery, and click-and-collect, and some markets see a shift toward smaller formats or mixed-use developments.