noun
privately owned store; independent shop; mom-and-pop store
Refers to a small retail business run by an individual or family, as opposed to a chain or large corporation. Often used in contrast with チェーン店.
See also: 個人商店
駅前に小さな個人店が並んでいる。
Small privately owned shops line the street in front of the station.
この地域では個人店がチェーン店に押されている。
In this area, independent stores are being squeezed out by chain stores.
A chain store; the opposite of a 個人店, which is independently owned.
Compound of 個人 (individual) and 店 (shop). A straightforward modern term with no obscure historical derivation.