Editing Convenience store (section)

===Turkey===
{{see also|Grocery store}}
[[File:Grocery_store_in_Gölyazı,_Nilüfer.jpg|alt=|thumb|Bakkal in [[Bursa]], [[Turkey]] (2008)]]
In [[Turkey]], convenience stores are often referred to as bakkal. Bakkal is a small, traditional retail shop specializing in the sale of [[Non-perishable food|non-perishable]] or semi-fresh food items, [[canned goods]], [[beverages]], and [[Cleaning products|household cleaning products]]. In addition to food and cleaning supplies, many bakkals also offer basic [[personal care products]], [[tobacco]], and sometimes [[Newspaper|newspapers]] or [[Lottery ticket|lottery tickets]].

Bakkals often serve as neighborhood convenience stores. Bakkals are typically [[Family-owned|family-owned and operated]] businesses that provide everyday necessities to residents within a specific neighborhood. Unlike [[Supermarket|supermarkets]], bakkals often allow customers to purchase goods on credit, maintaining informal ledgers known as credit notebooks (veresiye defteri).

Traditionally, the bakkal has held a central place in Turkish neighborhood life, functioning not only as a point of sale but also as a social hub where neighbors meet, converse, and exchange news. The bakkal is often characterized by personal service, familiarity with regular customers, and a strong presence in community life.

In recent decades, the number of bakkals has declined significantly due to the rise of large [[supermarket]] [[chain store|chains]] and [[Discount store|discount]] retailers. These modern competitors benefit from economies of scale, wider product ranges, and lower prices, making it increasingly difficult for small independent bakkals to compete. Urban development, rising rent costs, and changing consumer habits have also contributed to the decline of the traditional bakkal. Despite these challenges, bakkals remain symbolic of Turkey’s small-scale entrepreneurship and continue to operate in many neighborhoods, particularly in less urbanized areas.