If you are describing what I think you are, you're right to point out a backward step in energy conservation, elph. You can see from these photos a change that has taken place in Mexico:-
1. Wide entrance and gloomy interior tells you that this traditional "mom and pop" store uses little elec light and is ventilated by natural air movement, plus probably a ceiling fan
2.This is one of a country-wide chain of shops. Even on the sunny day this photo was taken, you can see the ceiling is ablaze with recessed lighting, and the glazed entrance doors promise the cool of airconditioning within. Everything is bright and modern, with banks of glass-fronted refrigerators, and they are open about 18 hours a day. It's v difficult for mom&pop to compete with this kind of appeal, which I will confess I also succomb to on a hot day:
Twenty thousand of these energy-guzzlers in Mexico
