Traditional supermarkets are disappearing. Suffice it to say that in the United States, where the trend is even more evident, 300 out of 1100 centers will be closed by the end of 2018. In recent years, the supermarket has been overtaken, and will soon be replaced, by new large distribution centers they are increasingly specializing in the sale of non-food products as well. This is the scenario highlighted by the analysis of Cushman & Wakefield, real estate company active all over the world.
The large organized distribution groups are cannibalizing the old shopping centers and have begun to establish a dense network of commercial partnerships with companies in various sectors, with the aim of expanding the offer and addressing a much wider and more diversified public.
Lidl, German discount chain, will soon begin selling 10 company cars BMW, in some outlets in Germany. Also Walmart, US giant, will enter the car market. In stores, customers will be able to ask for information about the online retailer's products car saver.
The strong point of the supermarkets of the future is undoubtedly the design. A clear example, especially in Italy, is that of Carrefour. The French group is implementing a real revolution in its business model. There are more and more points of sale open 24 hours a day, in which it is possible to find any type of specialty: from exotic fruit to sushi, up to products of international brands, until recently unobtainable throughout the country.
In the new Carrefour-branded boutiques it is possible to take advantage of dry cleaning services, book tickets for cinemas and concerts, pay electricity and gas bills directly at the cash desk, or even make an appointment with the plumber.
In the Urban Life Carrefour on Corso Garibaldi in Milan there is a bar, a restaurant, a corner dedicated to organic products, and even on the upper floor it is possible to find a co-working space.
Also Esselunga e coop, in order not to fall behind and lose the train of innovation, they are expanding their offer and introducing new services. Also Nature Yes has been very active in recent months: in addition to the metropolitan stores with restaurants and pizzerias, there are also decentralized stores directly on farms, linked to schools of conscious nutrition.
However, this enormous step forward in the sector of large-scale retail trade also has its negative sides. Employees in supermarkets are gradually decreasing, with automatic checkouts taking off.
