One of the largest Russian retailers, Magnit, has begun testing a new format of outlets. The company decided to return the food kiosks popular in the 1990s, the first ones have already been opened in Krasnodar, RBC reports.
Initially, facilities will begin to open in urban locations with high traffic – these are offices, transport hubs, pedestrian streets, parks, sports facilities, educational institutions. In total, the pilot stage involves the opening of 30 kiosks.
The area of each outlet will be 18 square meters, it will be possible to buy 650 types of products, including ready-made food, snacks, drinks, ice cream. In addition to kiosks, the retailer is preparing to introduce its own vending machines.
The press service of the company said that the kiosks do not depend on the availability of places in real estate and will not compete with their retail outlets. In addition, Magnit hopes to enter the market before all its federal competitors.
Ruslan Ismailov, director of the Magnit retail chain, noted that in recent years Russian cities have been struggling with chaotic street trade, including in the format of stalls. However, the demand for these services remains high.
In turn, Director of Investor Relations Albert Avetikov explained that the company wants to make money on the so-called impulsive shopping, which is typical of buyers in kiosks. Thus, the retailer wants to cover one more segment of sales, Interfax notes.
Earlier, Magnit and its partners launched food ration cards, with the help of which large, single-parent families, families with disabled children, single mothers can receive food for 3-6 thousand rubles a month. Last year, the retailer also began to develop a chain of super-cheap stores for the poor with a cut assortment.