hüpermarket

A hypermarket is a large retail establishment that combines a supermarket and a department store. It is typically a sprawling, self-service store that offers a wide variety of consumer goods, including groceries, clothing, electronics, and home furnishings. The term "hypermarket" was coined in France in the 1960s to describe these massive retail formats.

Hypermarkets are characterized by their sheer size, often spanning hundreds of thousands of square feet. This allows them to stock an extensive range of products, aiming to be a one-stop shop for consumers. They are usually located on the outskirts of cities or in suburban areas where land is more readily available and affordable, and they often have large parking lots.

The business model of a hypermarket relies on high sales volume and low profit margins per item. By offering a vast selection at competitive prices, they attract a large customer base. The layout is typically organized into departments, with food and grocery items occupying a significant portion, similar to a supermarket, while other sections cater to non-food merchandise.

While offering convenience and potentially lower prices, hypermarkets have also faced criticism. Concerns include their impact on smaller local businesses, potential for increased consumerism, and the environmental footprint associated with large-scale operations and transportation. Despite these challenges, hypermarkets remain a popular retail format in many parts of the world.