Oltresarca Faces Store Shortages as New Supermarkets Remain Uncertain

The housewives of Oltresarca will have to wait—perhaps in vain—to enjoy the convenience of a supermarket nearby or even within their neighborhood. The disappearance of grocery stores from the towns in the area forces consumers to undertake daily trips to Arco town center or, even further, to Via S. Caterina, where the majority of the “megamarkets” are concentrated.

Commercial Situation of Oltresarca

“Despite initiatives by the municipal administration aimed at facilitating some business establishments, no new commercial companies are visible on the horizon,” says a concerned Vice Mayor Sergio Prandi, who is responsible for the sector. “Some time ago, I contacted the owner of a large supermarket chain in Trentino, but the response was negative and without any chance of appeal.”

The Coop Rivana had instead assured him that they would consider opening a store in Viale Rovereto, near the junction to Bolognano. Months have passed, and I no longer have any information. I hope they are still considering it.” Prandi does not give up, but he is also aware that the issue for merchants is balancing the books.

Content and Prospects

Clearly, the potential customers of Oltresarca—several thousand and continuously increasing—are not enough to guarantee the profitability of a supermarket.