Icelandic Cornershops

Cornershops are becoming very rare in Iceland. This project focuses on the disappearing culture of these stores. In our small Icelandic neighborhoods and villages these stores are the social and cultural centers of the community. Thus they are important for the society and connection of people.

In the mid-nineteenth century, during the golden age of the local retailer, small shops could be found on almost every street corner in Iceland. Providing much more than just food supplies and sundries, grocery stores were an important cornerstone of community life, where people would meet to chat, catch up and exchange news. They were, in effect, social centres, with a much more personalised service than we see in today’s modern supermarkets. Today these shops are becoming very rare in Iceland today due to big chains and supermarkets.

The golden age of corner-shop retailers has long past, with only a handful remaining who persevere to keep alive the marvellous spirit of the local grocery store. The project addresses the disappearing culture of the corner shop using the medium of photography to highlight the distinctive warmth and human spirit so characteristic of such stores.

In small-town communities, they often serve as meeting places where residents can discuss everything from politics to personal problems. Many retailers offer home deliveries in addition to providing a safe place to keep things for customers, such as keys. They generally provide a safety net for the whole community offering a sympathetic ear when needed and a safe haven for any kids who are locked out.

Since I began working on the project in 2016, I have visited about 34 independent retailers. I travelled around Iceland and photographed all the remaining cornershops I could find, still trading giving myself time to get to know and interview both the shop owners and customers. During that time, at least five of the local grocery stores I encountered closed for business; turns out it’s hard to compete with the low prices offered in the larger supermarket chains.

While the subject material reflects a world which still exists, it is one that is rapidly disappearing.