The periptero—the small, often colourful kiosks synonymous with Greek urban life—faces a steep decline, threatening to turn this iconic piece of cultural and economic heritage into a relic of the past.
Once vital hubs for news, snacks, and cigarettes, these miniature marvels of Greek entrepreneurship are rapidly disappearing, leaving behind empty shells that echo a bygone era.
A Fading Symbol of Everyday Life
Can modern Greeks imagine life without the periptero? For decades, these kiosks were essential to urban living, providing everything from phone cards to newspapers, often at all hours. Yet the numbers tell a grim story. In 2010, there were nearly 10,000 periptera scattered across the country. By 2023, that number had dwindled to just 4,358—a staggering 56% decrease—and the decline shows no signs of slowing.
Small Retail: A Booming Industry, but Not for Periptera
Ironically, this decline comes at a time when small retail is being hailed as the “holy grail” of the retail sector. So why are kiosks struggling while small convenience stores, mini-markets, and supermarkets thrive?
The reasons are many:
- Changing Habits: The kiosk’s traditional staples—newspapers, cigarettes, and public payphones—are increasingly irrelevant in an era of digital media, smoking bans, and smartphones.
- On-Demand Culture: Delivery apps have made snacks and drinks available at the tap of a button, reducing foot traffic to kiosks.
- Economic Pressures: Greece’s financial crisis and subsequent austerity measures took a heavy toll on small businesses. The lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic delivered another blow, though kiosks have been declining since before 2020.
From 2011 to 2023, the number of convenience stores fell by 25.7%, and supermarkets moved aggressively into the small retail market, competing for a €5.15 billion industry, according to ICAP CRIF research.
Reinvention or Extinction?
To survive, many kiosks have transformed into multi-purpose mini-markets. These larger operations, often exceeding six square metres in size, now sell everything from fashion accessories to alcoholic beverages. However, this evolution comes with challenges: municipalities set different regulations for kiosk size and public space usage, complicating operations.
Despite these changes, the kiosks remain in decline. Market analysts estimate that only 2,200 to 2,500 kiosks—mostly in high-traffic tourist areas or near transportation hubs—will survive in the coming years.
A Legacy Rooted in Social and Economic Policy
The origins of the periptero date back to the late 19th century, during Greece’s turbulent wars and the Asia Minor Catastrophe. Initially established as a welfare initiative, kiosk permits were granted to wounded veterans and disabled citizens, offering them a means of livelihood. Kiosks also played a key role in tobacco tax collection and served as critical news outlets, with newspapers hung prominently for public reading.
For decades, kiosks provided more than goods—they were social landmarks. Headlines from Athens’ most popular dailies, snacks for children, and the latest gossip could all be found at the corner kiosk.
The Iconic “Minion” Story
The legendary Minion department store traces its origins to a humble kiosk. In the early 20th century, Yannis Georgakas turned his small kiosk in Chautia into Greece’s first and largest department store, setting an example of how kiosks could evolve and thrive.
Enduring Significance
Despite the challenges, the periptero remains a symbol of Greece’s ingenuity and resilience. Market players argue that while their numbers may dwindle, periptera will never fully disappear. They are already listed in tourist guides as unique remnants of an “alien” urban lifestyle, offering a glimpse into a simpler, more communal way of living.
(Source: To Vima)
