Turkey

MERHABA! (Hello!)

Turkey is often seen as the link between Europe and Asia. Home to some 77 million people, the Republic of Turkey has one of the fastest-growing and youngest populations in the world. The Turkish economy is growing steadily: with its expanding domestic market and high-spending middle class, the country is attractive to national and international retail companies alike. Modern retail formats are establishing themselves primarily in Turkey’s large cities and business centres, while traditional retail structures still prevail in rural areas. Here, bakkallar – traditional, family-run neighbourhood shops – hold sway together with markets and bazaars. Generally speaking, the Turkish retail landscape is highly fragmented, with the top five players accounting for a market share of less than 10 per cent. Of the modern formats, discounters have successfully established themselves in recent years. These are very popular among consumers and can now be found throughout the country.