By James Taylor
In an age where supermarket giants dominate the retail landscape across Europe, North America, and Asia, Algeria stands out as a unique and fascinating exception. Despite being one of Africa’s largest markets—with a population of over 44 million—Algeria remains largely untouched by supermarket chains, centralised buying departments, or modern distribution networks. Instead, the country’s food retail system is built on tradition, trust, and deep-rooted human relationships. Algerians overwhelmingly prefer their neighbourhood grocers, the friendly shopkeepers who know their names, their families, and even their usual grocery lists.
To understand why this retail model continues to thrive, ISN sat down with Amar Bensalah, a grocery shop owner in the heart of Algiers. With over 20 years in the business, Amar provides rare insight into the soul of Algerian grocery retail.
ISN: Amar, thank you for speaking with us. To begin, can you describe the typical Algerian grocery shop and how it functions?
Amar Bensalah: Thank you. A typical shop here is small—20 to 50 square metres—but very full of stock. We do everything ourselves: order, receive, stack, sell. There’s no central system or warehouse. I buy from wholesalers directly or sometimes from local producers. It’s all done manually—on trust and experience.
ISN: Why hasn’t the supermarket model taken root in Algeria?
Amar: It’s simple. Algerians trust people, not systems. They want to talk to a shopkeeper who understands their needs, maybe gives them a little credit if they’re short on cash that day. A supermarket can’t do that. We’re not just retailers—we’re friends, neighbours, advisers.
ISN: From a supply chain point of view, wouldn’t a modern system be more efficient?
Amar: Maybe on paper. But people here don’t want a faceless supply chain. They want the tomatoes to come from someone nearby. They want to know who sells their olives or their bread. Yes, distribution could be better, but for most people, it’s not a priority.
ISN: Is there resistance to change, or simply a strong preference for tradition?
Amar: It’s not resistance—it’s choice. Algerians value community over convenience. That might change with time, but for now, this is the way they like it. Even young people still come back to their neighbourhood grocers.
ISN: Do you think supermarket chains will eventually enter the Algerian market successfully?
Amar: Maybe in the big cities, for imported or luxury goods. But for everyday shopping? It will be hard. A supermarket can’t replace the human connection people here look for. That’s our advantage, and it’s very hard to replicate.
ISN: What message would you send to international companies looking to enter Algeria’s food retail sector?
Amar: Learn the culture first. Don’t assume what works in Paris or London will work here. Understand the value of the personal touch. Algerians don’t just buy food—they buy trust, habit, and friendship.