A growing concern and a growing trend

This post pulls together all the article links associated to the issues around the prospect of the traditional markets in the midst of changing consumer habit.

P.S. This post is live with new links to be added at any time. Please do bookmark so you'll be updated to this expending list.

A Growing Concern

1. 'Farmers and Supermarkets in Asia' by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
2. From Wet Market to Hypermarket -Trends and Opportunities in China's Retail Landscape
3. Taiwan Review - Hyping Markets
4. Differences in Factors Attracting Consumers to Taiwan's Supermarkets and Traditional Wet Markets

A Growing Trend

These are few emerging trends started to pick up pace at some countries such as Australia. Therefore, I see these are the positive signs to help revert to the things which are more important to the society:

1. In the wake of unhealthy processed food products; misleading dietary and manufacturing information of packaged food. People are more relying on fresh produces.
2. In the wake of pressing environmental issues, people are increasingly aware of how foods and products are being grown, packaged and transported.
3. A greater awareness of the social and environmental problems associated with 'food miles'. Therefore, people are likely to source foods from the closest farmers.
4. Slow Food movement. Originated from Italy, this movement is attracting interest globally. People are starting to understand the benefit to live more responsibly to the local industries & businesses, environments and communities.
5. Increase travel. Cheaper travel brings people to overseas more often therefore travelers are expanding their knowledge of other cultures. People bring back better ideas.

Links:
Urban Ecology Australia : Farmers' Markets

Discarding the old, in the new supermarkets - Asia

The increase popularity of shopping malls in Asia does help to put its most important tenant - supermarket in winning position over traditional farmers markets. For Kuching it is a double blow as after the closure of Ceko market the city has no markets in the city centre (except the Satok sunday wet market 1km away) hence giving golden opportunities for supermarkets to extend their radius to dominate and continue threaten the remaining old shops at the old quarters of Chinatown and Indian street.

The new Plaza Merdeka to be built in the heart of the old quarters presumably will has a supermarket will take over the original retail pattern left from the Ceko Market nearby (about 150m away) and will pose significant threat to the remaining shop fronts foods and produces and other retail sectors on that area.

Will the people go to the shopping mall to get all they need under one roof ignoring other traditional retails around the area?

The following excerpt taken from article published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations:

The move to supermarkets in Asia is driven by a number of factors - including automobiles...

• Income growth has increased ownership of refrigerators, which has spurred a shift from daily to weekly shopping, and of cars, which permit large volume shopping at distant locations

• Changing consumer preferences led by women's entry into the workforce. "Working women" prefer one-stop, fast, convenient, and value-for-money shopping

• Changing eating habits - with more women working outside the home and families travelling further to work, there is increasing demand for processed food

• Development of infrastructure, e.g. highways and transport, has favoured the development of supermarket chains

• Low retail margins and fierce competition has created a "buyer's market" in which consumers enjoy low-cost services and quality - and happily switch between retail outlets

• Demographic, cultural, social changes, including a growing proportion of nuclear families and "one-person households" and growing use of credit cards.

• Increased travel has exposed Asians to modern retailing, a wider range of products and the availability of fresh produce "out of season".

The following excerpt taken from Differences in Factors Attracting Consumers to Taiwan's Supermarkets and Traditional Wet Markets

Journal of Family and Economic Issues

Exit interviews were used to summarize factors attracting consumers to six supermarkets and three wet markets in a representative city. Using the history of the marketplace as the foundation for analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of the two retail formats are introduced and are compared to the consumer response data. Findings indicate that the decline of Taiwan's traditional markets will probably continue until all are replaced by new retail formats. Currently, the traditional market is in the weakest of all the retail positions since it supplies the needs of a shrinking population of older consumers with preferences and shopping behaviors unlike those of younger, nontraditional consumers. Supermarket expansion is slowing because new hypermarkets, convenience stores, and warehouse stores are competing to satisfy the needs of the younger, more mobile target population. Overall, store formats that provide lower prices, sales promotions, a good environment, good product quality, and good service have the greatest opportunity to build consumer loyalty and increase market share."

Related Posts:
1) Benefits of markets
2) The market that defines the city [Melbourne]
3) Slow Living & Old Market

Benefits of Markets

"The number of farmers markets in the United States has increased dramatically from some 1,755 markets in 1994 to over 3,700 in 2004. "

This is the sign of revival of traditional markets in America. In Europe, markets have been the way of life for everyone. In developing nations, many existing markets face the danger of being closed by authority or replaced by modern development; or simply cannot compete with large supermarket or shopping mall. Those which still survive relying on majority of poorer residents but stayed away by the middle class who prefer much comfortable, less chaotic and cleaner shopping malls.

The attitude has changed not only in America but also showing signs in country like Australia. "These markets – i.e., Pike Place in Seattle, Reading Terminal in Philadelphia, and North Market in Columbus – show the tremendous opportunity for public markets in today's world of shopping malls and retail chains. These markets also show that with careful planning and investment, along with effective management, public markets can again become centers of sustainable local economies and community life." Extract from "Benefits of Market". Full article can be view at (recommended read):

http://www.pps.org/markets/info/markets_program