Jerusalem Makolets (grocery stores) are trying to survive, facing harsh competition from the large chains including ShuferSal, Rami Levi and Osher Ahd. They are trying to organize a conglomerate, which already includes 25 stores, to permit them to buy in larger quantities and thereby permit them to sell goods for less. This new initiative is called the �Neighborhood grocery�.

Some store owners explain that distributors view many small grocery stores as a nuisance or inconvenience, and charge them accordingly, compelling them to pay 10-20% more than supermarkets for the same goods. The grocery store owners add that the increase in the number of convenience stores operating 24/6 is also making their lives more difficult.

There are currently 7,000 makolets nationwide so in essence, they do represent significant buying power if they manage to organize.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)