Impact of supermarkets on small traders and neighborhood stores in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction

This paper is an attempt at filling the current void in literature concerning the impact of large supermarkets on small neighborhood stores in Pakistan. After examining possible reasons for their growth and reviewing existing literature from Hong Kong and Turkey — countries which have experienced a similar process in their history — we use a survey to determine consumer perceptions about supermarkets. Additionally, we use data from our survey to plot supermarket consumers on a map to assess their geographical reach. This exercise allows us to deduce the impact these stores are likely to have on small retailers.