Shopping in the USA

Americans go shopping in four main types of stores: supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and delis.

Supermarkets are the largest. They often have a wide variety of dairy products, cereals, bread and baked goods, prepared, canned and frozen food, ice-cream and desserts, paper products and much more. Prices are usually marked on the packages or the signs near the goods. There are usually carts and baskets, so you can carry the goods, which you have chosen, around the store. Usually supermarkets have several cashiers. In general, they are open from Monday to Friday from 9 to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some supermarkets are open on Sundays as well.

Grocery stores are smaller than supermarkets. As a rule, they carry most of the same types of products, but in smaller quantity and less variety. Prices are usually similar to those in the supermarkets. In general, grocery stores work the same hours as supermarkets.

Convenience stores are called this because of their hours of operation – usually from at least 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and sometimes round the clock. They usually carry a very limited selection of goods and brands.

Delis usually carry only cold cuts (sliced ham, turkey, salami, chicken, roast beef and cheese) to use in sandwiches, breads, beverages and condiments. Some delis also carry selections of prepared foods and other items.