Are Western-style supermarkets and other businesses good for India and other contries?

Question

Is the modernization that's taking place good because it makes life easier and more efficient, or is it bad because it takes business away from small store owners and the country is losing its traditions? Please expain the reasons for your answers. Thanks!

Answer 1

Supermarkets work on economies of scale (the more of something, the cheaper it is per individual unit).

It allows more varieties of food to be available at a cheaper price, stored in more hygenic conditions. This can only improve diet and health for people.

Japan has had supermarkets for decades. They haven't lost their traditions.

Answer 2

In industrial cities, the extended hours would be a godsend to people who are working long hours. Each country can shape it's stores to accomodate local tradition. A local store owner could become manager of a given department.

For the villages, the large chainstores would be too disruptive and counterproductive. As they are in most of the US.