Although you might not think so by seeing these pictures: Justyna Kuźma lives in the city. But whenever she has the chance, she heads off into the countryside to pursue her hobby. Her great passion is watching and photographing birds. Her sharp eye and close attention to detail are also qualities that she uses every day in her job in the marketing department at the head office of MAKRO Cash & Carry Poland in Warsaw. But there, Justyna Kuźma prefers to focus on numbers.
Zakopane, Poland
On the Kasprowy Wierch in the High Tatras, the highest peak in the Carpathians
Zakopane, Poland
On the Kasprowy Wierch in the High Tatras, the highest peak in the Carpathians
Zakopane, Poland
On the Kasprowy Wierch in the High Tatras, the highest peak in the Carpathians
Zakopane, Poland
On the Kasprowy Wierch in the High Tatras, the highest peak in the Carpathians
Zakopane, Poland
On the Kasprowy Wierch in the High Tatras, the highest peak in the Carpathians
Zakopane, Poland
On the Kasprowy Wierch in the High Tatras, the highest peak in the Carpathians
Zakopane, Poland
In sharp focus: birds are Justyna Kuźma’s true passion; they can be found as a lasting memory not only on her camera, but also on her forearm.
Zakopane, Poland
Justyna Kuźma escapes from the hustle and bustle of Warsaw and heads out into the picturesque mountain landscape almost every weekend. This is where she recharges her batteries.
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane, Poland
Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw, Poland
Strong brand
As in many other countries around the world, people in Poland enjoy shopping at the corner store. After all, these stores carry all the day-to-day essentials. The short distance is another appealing factor, as is the opportunity to chat with others from the neighbourhood. Industry experts see great potential in these small-area convenience store formats. However, in order to survive in the face of competition, the store owners need to have the necessary business expertise. Here is where ODIDO comes in: since its introduction in 2011, this franchise concept of MAKRO Cash & Carry has grown into one of the most successful trader’s brands in Poland, with some 1,800 stores throughout the country. ODIDO supports retailers in the development of customer-oriented product ranges that consist, in part, of MAKRO Cash & Carry own-brand products, such as Aro or Fine Food. Pre-produced leaflets and TV campaigns further help store owners to address customers in a professional manner. The package also provides training in business and operational skills. Market research findings have already confirmed the great success of the ODIDO concept. According to the study Shopping Mission conducted by the him! research & consulting agency, when given the choice between an ODIDO market and an independent store, one out of every four customers chooses ODIDO. With a view to this positive response, MAKRO Cash & Carry is further developing this successful concept.
Strong brand: at a glance
Corner stores don't have it easy
Advisory and training help out
New brands, a fresh start: Odido
Poland In figures
Dzien Dobry !(Hello!)
Land area
312,679 km2
Population
38.5 million
Currency
Polish zloty [PLN]
With a population of about 38.5 million, Poland is the third-largest consumer market in Eastern Europe next to Russia and Ukraine. The Polish economy has undergone a remarkable development since its transition to democracy. The government is continuing to pursue a course of liberalisation and deregulation, which includes the privatisation of government companies. This now makes the country a major sales market and manufacturing site for foreign businesses. In recent years, Poland has consistently registered positive growth.
Around two-thirds of Poland’s population live in rural areas and in small or medium-sized cities. Small, independent retailers thus play a central role in the local supply of goods: about 50 per cent of Poles continue to shop in these traditional grocery stores. In the cities and urban areas, in contrast, the retail landscape is more diversified and virtually saturated.
This traditional restaurant, established in 1918, impresses with its tasty Polish cuisine. During the summer months, guests can dine on the outdoor terrace situated right on the bank of the Motława, with a view of the old town of Gdańsk.
This traditional restaurant, established in 1918, impresses with its tasty Polish cuisine. During the summer months, guests can dine on the outdoor terrace situated right on the bank of the Motława, with a view of the old town of Gdańsk.
This small supermarket in Topolowa in Mińsk Mazowiecki is one of 1,800 stores in Poland’s ODIDO network. Here, customers can not only buy fresh produce, but also own-brand products from MAKRO Cash & Carry.
This small supermarket in Topolowa in Mińsk Mazowiecki is one of 1,800 stores in Poland’s ODIDO network. Here, customers can not only buy fresh produce, but also own-brand products from MAKRO Cash & Carry.
Dignified luxury in the heart of Kraków, named Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2000: the city’s oldest hotel is housed in a 17th-century Renaissance palace.
Dignified luxury in the heart of Kraków, named Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2000: the city’s oldest hotel is housed in a 17th-century Renaissance palace.
Poland is known for its hospitality. Hosts generally offer their guests a variety of typical national dishes and drinks in order to introduce them to traditional Polish cuisine. It is considered impolite not to try what is offered.
Facts & figures
MAKRO Cash & Carry Poland
1994 saw METRO GROUP open its first cash-and-carry wholesale store in Poland; today, there are 41 in all. In Poland, as in a number of other countries, the wholesaler operates under the name MAKRO. In order to help small, independent grocery stores to compete with large retail chains and discounters, MAKRO Cash & Carry launched the trader franchise programme ODIDO in 2011. Regarded as the fastest-growing franchise network in the Polish retail industry, MAKRO Cash & Carry Poland already has more than 1,800 small retailers on board as partners.
