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

A recent data index by Points, a data company, reveals a sharp increase in the number of mini-markets across Israel, particularly in central regions, driven by changes in consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Iron Swords conflict. Mini-markets, defined as small supermarkets with two to three cash registers open 16 to 24 hours daily, often including weekends, offer essentials like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and over-the-counter medicines. These are distinct from kiosks or convenience stores.

Tel Aviv stands out with 147 mini-markets, equating to 2.9 per 10,000 residents, the highest ratio in the country. The densest concentrations are in mixed-use neighborhoods combining residential, business, and entertainment areas such as Rothschild Boulevard west of Allenby, London Ministore vicinity, and Azrieli-Montifiore. The demand here comes from locals, workers, and tourists alike.

Haifa ranks second among large cities with 67 mini-markets and a ratio of 2.2 per 10,000 residents, followed by Kfar Saba with a similar ratio of 2.0. In contrast, Jerusalem, Israel's largest city, has only 47 mini-markets, a ratio of 0.5 per 10,000 residents, about one-sixth of Tel Aviv's density. Beersheba performs relatively well with 1.7 per 10,000, while Netanya and Ashdod have less than one mini-market per 10,000 residents.

Among smaller and medium-sized 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 urban hubs and peripheral or smaller communities.

Yafit Ben Haim, CEO of Points, commented that convenience stores have become integral to urban life, especially where fast-paced living and immediate accessibility are crucial. The study examined 22 chains and brands, including Yellow, AM:PM, Shufersal Express, Rami Levy in the Neighborhood, City Market, and Tiv Taam.

The trend reflects a shift in Israeli shopping habits favoring nearby stores with extended hours over traveling to large supermarkets, influenced by recent health and security crises.