Inside Spain: End of supermarket small talk and Alicante housing scandal

"Next time you're in a Spanish supermarket, notice who takes a number and waits in line at the fishmonger's, greengrocer or butcher's section. They're more likely to be middle-aged or elderly Spaniards than young folk, who know their pescadero, frutero or carnicero by name, and spark up a conversation with them while they're being served. It's an example of how daily life in Spain is shared with others,"

"They're currently trialling a new setup which sees more food at the cheese, meat, fruit and fish counters pre-cut, pre-labelled and pre-packaged. More reading and less talking, is the essence of it. The T9 system, as it's been dubbed, is meant to save time at these counters as customers don't have to wait to be served. Instead it will be a more mechanical' approach where you pick up what you need without speaking or asking for advice from your trusted supermarket worker."

Mercadona is trialling a T9 system that places more food at cheese, meat, fruit and fish counters pre-cut, pre‑labelled and pre‑packaged to reduce waiting and conversation. The system aims to save time by allowing customers to pick items without interacting with staff; Mercadona says staff jobs will not be cut but responsibilities will change. Younger Spaniards increasingly prefer supermarkets with minimal social contact, while middle-aged and elderly shoppers still use traditional counters and personal relationships. The shift toward automation reflects changes in shopping habits and social routines. An Alicante public housing complex intended for low-income families has been bought by the city's elite, indicating gentrification.

Read at www.thelocal.es