December 2005: The Roaring Super-Market in Puerto Rico
With the arrival of the Sam’s Clubs, Costco and the reinvention of Kmart and Walmart to include groceries, many would have thought that was the beginning of the end for the local traditional chain-supermarket industry in Puerto Rico. Surprisingly enough, statistics show that mostly locally-owned chain supermarkets are stronger than ever. Although large and comprehensive studies have yet to be conducted in this industry, limited information indicates that the aforementioned stores have kept a good pace of annual growth. We call them the “purists” since for the most part they have kept themselves from crossing the line to sell many products beyond food items. Find out what seems to be their success formula and how their prospects look like going forward.