Many people in Croatia shop for their food and everyday goods at open-air markets. Although grocery stores are common, many people visit open-air markets out of tradition because they're friends with a local grocer or for a change in pace.
Open-air markets not only sell food but also clothes and offer guests a fun social atmosphere.
Open-air markets started as a way for farmers from neighboring areas to sell their produce in the cities. It is the traditional way of buying food in Croatia and in much of the world.
Aside from the food and other things being sold and the social atmosphere, many people trust the products being sold more in open-air markets, especially if they are friends with the person doing the selling! The procedure is just like buying food in a store, but it's possible to haggle (meaning bargain with seller on the price of goods) if you really want to.