Rising Costs and Falling Sales Put Squeeze on Neighborhood Minimarts
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Minimart owners are facing increased costs from suppliers, utilities, and rents, resulting in lower sales and revenue
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Customers are buying less due to rising prices, such as for canned sardines and cigarettes after tax hikes
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Owners deal with losses from shoplifting and damaged/returned goods that cannot be resold
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Location and differentiation from supermarkets are critical for minimarts to survive
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Long-standing minimarts have history in the neighborhood, but face challenges from competition with supermarkets