How is the grocery store one of the most important settings in the novel, The Winter of Our Discontent?

Though never named in the novel, the grocery store is an important setting because but it is Ethan's place of humiliation, contemplation, plotting, conversations and eventually success. The plot revolves around characters being in or around the store, and almost all of the major plot points take place there. Ethan addresses the produce, the canned goods, the condiments, and even the stray cat there as if they were his true friends. The store is used symbolically on a daily basis, with Ethan sweeping it, cleaning it, and dealing with life there.