LARGE SUPERMARKET Meaning and
Definition
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A large supermarket refers to a spacious retail establishment that offers an extensive range of food and household items for sale under one roof. Also known as a superstore or hypermarket, it is characterized by its substantial size, extensive product selection, and self-service format. A large supermarket typically exceeds the floor area of a regular grocery store, ranging from tens of thousands to even hundreds of thousands of square feet, and is designed to accommodate a high volume of customers.
Furthermore, a large supermarket typically organizes its products categorically, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, dairy, bakery items, canned goods, frozen foods, beverages, personal care products, cleaning necessities, and household supplies. In addition to food items, many large supermarkets feature other departments, such as a pharmacy, floral section, stationery, health and beauty, clothing, electronics, hardware, and even household appliances.
Due to their immense size and vast product range, large supermarkets usually operate with a self-checkout system or multiple check-out counters, allowing customers to efficiently complete their transactions. These establishments often employ a fleet of employees, including shelf stockers, cashiers, managers, and customer service representatives, to ensure smooth operations and provide assistance to shoppers when needed. The size and convenience of large supermarkets make them a popular shopping destination for consumers looking for a one-stop-shop experience and the ability to purchase a wide range of goods in a single visit.
Etymology of LARGE SUPERMARKET
The word "supermarket" is a compound of the words "super" and "market".
The term "super" comes from the Latin word "super", meaning "above" or "over". In English, "super" has been used since the late 18th century as a prefix to indicate something superior or larger than usual.
The word "market" comes from the Old English word "mearcet", which means "a meeting, gathering, or sale of goods". The concept of a market dates back to ancient times when people would gather in a central location to buy and sell goods.
The combination of "super" and "market" resulted in the term "supermarket", which was first used in the early 20th century to describe a large retail store that offers a wide variety of food and household items.
