Hypermarket

Hypermarket is a large retail facility that combines a supermarket and a department store. The result is an expansive retail facility carrying a wide range of products under one roof, including full groceries lines and general merchandise. In theory, hypermarkets allow customers to satisfy all their routine shopping needs in one trip.

History

The term hypermarket was coined in 1968 by French trade expert Jacques Pictet. Hypermarkets, like other big-box stores, typically have business models focusing on high-volume, low-margin sales. Typically covering an area of 5,000 to 15,000 square metres (54,000 to 161,000 sq ft), they generally have more than 200,000 different brands of merchandise available at any one time.

Characteristics

Hypermarkets may adopt one of two formats. In some cases, hypermarkets have occupied former superstore sites that had been redeveloped to include other businesses, such as leisure facilities or cinemas. In others, they have been developed as an entirely new site, often alongside other major retail outlets, such as department stores.

Global Presence

Hypermarkets have become widespread throughout the world. They can be found in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some of the largest hypermarkets in the world are located in China, France, and the United States.

Criticism

Despite their convenience, hypermarkets have been criticized for their impact on smaller, local businesses, as well as for their environmental impact. Critics argue that because hypermarkets are often built on the outskirts of towns and cities, they contribute to urban sprawl and the decline of traditional town centres.

See Also

• Supermarket
• Department store
• Big-box store
• Superstore

References

Hypermarket Resources
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