Tel Aviv Leads Israel in Mini-Market Density Amid Pandemic and Conflict

A new data index from Points, a data company, reveals a sharp increase in small supermarkets, or mini-markets, across Israel, particularly in central regions, driven by changes in consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Iron Swords conflict. Tel Aviv stands out with 147 mini-markets, equating to 2.9 stores per 10,000 residents, the highest ratio in the country. These mini-markets are defined as small supermarkets with two to three cash registers, open 16 to 24 hours daily, some even on Saturdays, offering fresh produce, dairy, and over-the-counter medicines.

The study examined 22 chains and brands, including Yellow, AM:PM, Shufersal Express, Rami Levy in the Neighborhood, City Market, and Tiv Taam. The demand is concentrated in mixed-use areas of Tel Aviv such as Rothschild Boulevard west of Allenby, the London Ministore area, and the Azrieli-Montifiore district, serving residents, workers, and tourists alike.

Among large cities with populations over 100,000, Haifa ranks second with 67 mini-markets (2.2 per 10,000 residents), followed by Kfar Saba with a similar ratio. Jerusalem, Israel’s largest city, has only 47 mini-markets, a ratio of 0.5 per 10,000 residents, one-sixth of Tel Aviv’s density. Be’er Sheva shows a relatively high ratio of 1.7, while Netanya and Ashdod have less than one mini-market per 10,000 residents.

In smaller cities, Gedera leads with 2.6 mini-markets per 10,000 residents, surpassing all large cities except Tel Aviv. Hod Hasharon, Yehud-Monosson, and Zichron Yaakov also show high ratios. Conversely, Rahat, Shoham, and Ar'ara have no mini-markets at all, highlighting disparities between central employment hubs and peripheral towns.

Yafit Ben Haim, CEO of Points, commented that convenience stores have become an integral part of urban life, especially where fast-paced living and immediate accessibility are essential.