We have a little shop on the street behind our apartment that we often purchase water and snacks at. It is a multi-generational family business. They open early in the morning around 7:00 and stay open late into the evening. Many families in the neighborhood rely on stores such as these for the necessities of life. The economy in Egypt is really struggling now (as it seems to be in the US). Of course, those who are most affected by this are people who can least afford it. Prices for staple food items have risen three to four times what they once were. It really makes it difficult for these small business owners. They depend almost entirely on their regular neighborhood customers. Those that can easily afford the rise in prices shop at the malls such as San Steffano, Green Plaza or Carrefour where they can enjoy a Starbucks coffee after shopping. The neighborhood shop owner must keep his prices barely above cost in order to move his stock. In some cases, they will carry credit on their loyal customers until the customer can afford to pay them. It is ironic because our student council is proposing a Starbucks outlet at our school for lunch and breaks. Apparently Starbucks is willing to come into the school and provide this service for our students. Anyway we hope the economy turns around here soon – it is such a hardship for the majority of people here.
