Re:Ocean shipping rates have plunged 60% this year
by pkroll on Thursday September 08, 2022 @05:27AM
(#32763227)
> most populated areas in the US are rural
But most population, isn't in rural areas. I've got a local specialty grocery store literally downstairs next to my condo, and a full grocery store three blocks away. "The average household traveled 3.79 miles to their primary grocery, even though the closest store was 2.14 miles way." (https://usa.streetsblog.org/2015/04/10/5-things-the-usda-lea...)
Re:Ocean shipping rates have plunged 60% this year
by bhelkey on Wednesday September 07, 2022 @04:39PM
(#32756484)
I think their point is not that there are people that far away from a store but that those folks generally make larger bulk purchases when they make the trip to and from the store.
Re:Ocean shipping rates have plunged 60% this year
by idonotknowwhy on Wednesday September 07, 2022 @06:21PM
(#32757873)
People don't realize that bulk purchases require up front capital. Some people can't afford to buy more that what they need at the time, even if it'll cost more in the long run. This even includes things like the 24 or 36 pack of toilet paper
When you think about it, most populated areas in the US are rural, sparsely populated areas. It may be 20 miles to the nearest store, and that store may only be a 7-11. I feel lucky to have found a nice spot in a rural area that is only 8 miles to the Walmart, and that really hurt recently with gas prices, still does.