Assyrians have a near monopoly over Detroit's grocery stores, Assyrians became grocers mainly due to white flight as a result of the 1967 Detroit riot which caused many white business owners to leave Detroit. Taking advantage of the situation, Assyrians purchased their businesses at rock bottom prices. In 1972, there were 278 grocery stores in Detroit owned by Assyrians, and In the mid-1990s, Chaldeans owned 1,500 grocery stores in Detroit. In 1962, 120 grocery stores were operated by Chaldeans, and over half of Chaldean households were supported by proceeds from the grocery business.