04-24-2015, 01:23 PM
From what I can tell 7-11 in Europe operates only in Scandanavia. But in the rest of Europe there are numerous similar chains that operate lots of smaller "convenience" stores that likewise carry fresh fruits, vegetables, meat/fish, bakery, etc.
The grocery shopping model differs from North America in that people there tend to shop regularly, perhaps even daily, for groceries. Freshness is important to them. The stores are common in neighbourhoods throughout larger cities as well as in small towns and villages. They're within easy walking distance for most people. Although small these stores stock an impressive selection of fresh foods.
This contrasts with here where people drive considerable distances to stock up once a week with a lot of processed foods. They patronize convenience stores only when they run out of staples.
Of course this is a generalization. Many Europeans now drive to hypermarkets once a week to stock up. And some Canadians still regularly patronize smaller stores that offer fresh food. Hopefully the LRT will encourage more smaller stores and more frequent purchases of fresher food rather than perpetuate 7-11's NA model.
The grocery shopping model differs from North America in that people there tend to shop regularly, perhaps even daily, for groceries. Freshness is important to them. The stores are common in neighbourhoods throughout larger cities as well as in small towns and villages. They're within easy walking distance for most people. Although small these stores stock an impressive selection of fresh foods.
This contrasts with here where people drive considerable distances to stock up once a week with a lot of processed foods. They patronize convenience stores only when they run out of staples.
Of course this is a generalization. Many Europeans now drive to hypermarkets once a week to stock up. And some Canadians still regularly patronize smaller stores that offer fresh food. Hopefully the LRT will encourage more smaller stores and more frequent purchases of fresher food rather than perpetuate 7-11's NA model.