The Chicago Sun-Times reports that in Italy, the growth of supermarkets -- up 74 percent in number since 1996 -- have led to the mass closings of mom and pop food shops that traditionally offered Italians fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
In part, this dramatic shift can be traced to the rise of the supermarket industry there, but there also has been a demographic change toward dual income households where there is less time to wander down to the local shop on a daily basis.
Price also has become a major factor, and consumers say that supermarkets have better prices.
In part, this dramatic shift can be traced to the rise of the supermarket industry there, but there also has been a demographic change toward dual income households where there is less time to wander down to the local shop on a daily basis.
Price also has become a major factor, and consumers say that supermarkets have better prices.
- KC's View:
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Sometimes, progress just makes us want to cry.
We figure that someday we're finally going to get the opportunity to go to Tuscany, to spend some time amid the rolling hills and vineyards, to learn Italian cooking and more about wine…and there's gonna be a damned Wal-Mart Supercenter on the corner.
