Due to the partnership, one of the most dynamic operators of convenience stores of the format “at home” expects to open several dozen stores in Kyiv and region.
The long-term partner of the Association of Retailers of Ukraine - the consulting company Retail & Development Advisor - has signed an agreement on brokerage of retail premises for convenience stores with the chain of KOLO grocery mini-markets.
KOLO chain of stores is one of the fastest growing grocery chains in Ukraine. The retailer’s first outlet appeared in May 2017, and in two and a half years the network has grown to more than 100 stores operating in Kyiv and satellite towns: Irpen, Bucha, Brovary, Vishnevoe, Vyshgorod and so on. The company plans to open up to 3,000 stores throughout Ukraine, and to become one of the leaders in the country's retail market both in the number of outlets, as well as in the number of customers and goods turnover.
“We believe that in this retail niche - convenience stores - there is still great potential that is not being fully utilized. For example, in a country comparable to the population of Poland, local networks of the “at home” format are successfully operating, with thousands of stores - Zabka, Biedronka and others - not to mention international players also developing this area: Auchan, Spar, Lidl and others, - notes the CEO of KOLO, Evgeny Kulinich. “Therefore, we are confident in the success of the project, and intend to actively develop, providing consumers with a wide selection of quality products at low prices within walking distance of their apartments.”
In KOLO stores you can buy all the essentials: bread, cheese, sausage, vegetables and fruits, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as household goods. Also, at points of sale you can drink aromatic coffee, have a snack with sandwiches and hot dogs, and baking your own production network.
“We want to scale our network quickly , and are actively looking for suitable locations,” the top manager emphasized. The company is interested in locations ranging from 40 to 100 square meters, located on the first or ground floor. Pedestrian flow should be at least 500 people per hour, and at least 600 apartments (for residential development) should be located within a radius of 150 meters from the premises. Also considered are business centers, detached buildings and built-in non-residential premises (but not MAFs). Of the additional requirements: summed up electric power of at least 20 kW, the presence of water supply and sewage, the possibility of unhindered access for residents of the coverage area.
“It is no secret that one of the main problems in Kyiv with the rapid development of retail chains is the lack of suitable locations. In order to overcome this problem, we attracted Retail & Development Advisor specialists, ”added Yevgeny Kulinich. “Their expertise and a portfolio of successful cases confirm the correctness of our choice, and I am sure that in the near future we will be able to please consumers with new discoveries of KOLO stores.”
“The food retail market in Kyiv, in particular, and the capital region in general, is rapidly changing and developing,” commented Taisiya Litovchenko, Director of Retail & Development Advisor. - And we are pleased to see that one of the most dynamic and fastest growing networks of the capital has entrusted us with the search for suitable premises. Despite the high competition in the market, we will make every effort to provide KOLO with the most convenient and profitable locations in the shortest possible time. The format of “convenience stores” has already proved its effectiveness and ability to compete even with the recognized giants of food retail in Ukraine.”
