Perhaps some remember and dream of the days when Italy did not yet have gigantic supermarkets…read more.. but all I can think is that it was much less convenient then. With stores like this Esselunga, despite it's size, we can get our shopping done in 20 minutes and then move on with our lives. On the other hand, we are eating relatively standardized foods, including the vegetables, in their little plastic trays, which last oddly longer than those purchased at the Coop.
All in all, while I prefer the Coop, the Esselunga is a good thing, and there are reasons to shop here. They have the best specials on packaged things and cleaning supplies. They have ample underground parking and big carts, so it is perfect for stocking up when you need to. Their stock is generally pretty consistent - they don't run out of food at the end of the day, and you usually find what you came for.
For fish, see Coop S. Salvi Cristiani which I reviewed - the fish section here does not smell good :(
