ICA Nära — Supermarket in Östermalm, Stockholm

This is one branch of the ICA chain, a compact supermarket on Banérgatan in Östermalm, and what you notice walking in is how little floor there is: the aisles are tight and the shelves are packed close. That suits the way the shop works, which is quick in-and-out shopping rather than a full trolley run.

The stock is basic goods for immediate needs. You come here for the thing you have run out of, not to plan a week of cooking, and the shelves are kept fresh and clean rather than deep. There is no counter or tasting to linger over; the format is shelves and a till.

On timing, the useful fact is the close: 9 pm on weekdays and Saturday, 8 pm on Sunday, with the day starting at 8 am Monday to Friday and 9 am Saturday. Come earlier in the evening if you want room to move rather than a squeeze past other baskets.

What it does well is the small errand: you are on Banérgatan, you need something now, and you are back out on the street in minutes. It is not the place for a big shop or a long browse, and it does not pretend to be.