Supermarket access and consumer well‐being : The case of Pathmark in Harlem

Purpose – To extend the research stream that, in the UK and USA has linked supermarket access to consumer diet by focusing on Pathmark, a supermarket chain that operates in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the square footage allocated to fresh produce, fish, meats, snack foods, soft drinks and similar items in Pathmark's Harlem store, and the pricing and promotion of those various foods. It also reviews news accounts of the controversy leading to the selection of Pathmark as the operator of a second store in Harlem. Findings – The allocation of space to nutritious foods and to those with minimal nutritional value as well as the pricing and promotion of those goods at the Pathmark Harlem store is similar to that of suburban supermarkets. The debate over the second supermarket in Harlem further shows that community leaders, food activists, and neighborhood residents recognize that large chain supermarkets may be uniquely positioned to improve access to healthy foods in lower‐income urban areas. Research limitations/implications – The study examines only one chain in one US city. Originality/value – The paper uses retail space allocation rather than self‐report data to consider the likely impact of the availability of nutritious foods on shoppers' diets. It also supports growing beliefs that large chains as well as small entrepreneurs may play important roles in urban regeneration.