Ethical and Cultural Implications in the U.S. Supermarket Industry Essay

The supermarket industry in the U. S. is currently facing many challenges in ethics and culture. The industry not only consists of traditional grocers but other different types of retailers, like Wal-Mart and Target, that are attempting to make profits from the food industry. An estimation of the amount that consumers spend on food annually is $500 billion. The traditional supermarkets are losing their market shares because of supercenters like Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s Club and Dollar stores. In 2001, Wal-Mart became the largest seller of food. The supermarket industry is facing many challenges in attracting shoppers that are attracted to the lower prices offered at the larger supercenters. Approaches that supermarkets may focus on to attract more of the market share include offering organic foods, friendlier â€Å"neighborhood market† service, fully-prepared or semi-prepared foods, cultural and ethnic foods, friendly, helpful employees and service, technological advancements, digital signs, self-check-outs, and mobile terminals for employees making their services more available to customers. While the larger supercenters are providing much competition, it will force the supermarket industry to make the necessary changes that will attract customers who prefer friendlier service, quality foods, prepared foods, and quality service due to more advanced technology. Over time, the American consumer will be attracted to a food industry that caters to quality of product and service, rather than the supercenters that provide products at discounted prices and offer a lower quality of service and product. This paper addresses the ethical and cultural dilemmas facing the supermarket industry, and how it can make changes to ensure that both consumers and companies are ethical and culturally sensitive to the changing industry.