In some cities that can feel true. Cough-cough Zurich.
We always have a car and often find ourselves in smaller places. Having to eat gluten free, finding a grocery store can mean the difference between eating and not eating that day. In cities, and without a car, the look around approach can work if you have the time.
These apps help you minimize the time spent looking for what you want and can, while you are on the road, even help you find the most convenient grocery store near whatever hotel or hut you are headed to for the night. They not only tell you where the stores are but also what they carry, whether a gas station is also a small grocery store (some are while many are not), and whether they have clothes and medicine. Also their hours, which is not a small issue. Most grocery stores close at 6:00, some at 7:00, and a few at 8:00. In big cities sometimes there is a late night one that might stay open until 10/11:00.
While many are easy to see from the street, some are 'hidden' or located in malls or may be an outdoor Migros when you need a 'grocery store' Migros. For instance, you could arrive via train to Luzern and never know that there is a pretty awesome Coop on the 1st floor, below the train platforms. If you miss that one you are stuck with the tiny Migros on the street outside the station.
I have also needed children's Advil before and used the apps to find the nearest store where we could get it without stopping at every one to inquire individually. We found the store, called them, confirmed they had it, and headed their direction--45 minutes away.
Some will find the apps very useful, some maybe less so.
We love them!