Popularity of retail formats unchanged in Czech Republic despite crisis

2010-02-16



Despite the economic crisis, the preferences of the Czech shoppers with regard to locations for FMCG purchases have remained unchanged. In 2009 hypermarkets were the preferred location of 40% of Czech consumers, one percentage point higher than in the previous year. The second most popular format was the discount stores(identified by 24% of those surveyed) and this was followed by supermarkets (17%), according to Incoma GfK,
Nevertheless, it is possible that convenience stores networks may claw some customers away from supermarkets and hypermarkets this year, according to CWB. The popularity of small stores with long opening hours is increasing and the chains operating in this segment are planning further, rapid, expansion. Among the networks in this category is the Polish chain of Zabka stores, which intends to open 50-60 new stores this year in the Czech Republic. The Czech chain Bala, currently comprising over 1,000 shops, is pursuing a policy of expansion through franchising agreements. The Pont chain, operated by JPServis and currently comprising 22 units, predominately targets travellers and commuters, thanks to its locations at railways and bus stations.
At the beginning of June 2009 there were 587 discount stores, 558 supermarkets and 246 hypermarkets operating in the Czech Republic. For the sake of comparison, in 1998 there were 234 discount stores, 487 supermarkets and 25 hypermarkets.