Polish Retailers Association fights for defense against foreign competition
The Polish Retailers Association (UPSD), founded in mid February, has
announced that several new companies have requested membership. One new
applicant, Agro-Coop, has 200 shops located mostly in Masuria, in
northeastern Poland. The company views entry to the association as a defense
against foreign competition and a way to get better deals in negotiations
with suppliers. The UPSD describes its aim as defending the interests of
Polish retailers against western retail giants. The association's plan of
action anticipates closer cooperation in joint training and the introduction
of a common logo to be displayed in shop windows. Together, UPSD members
have 1,769 stores with a total floor area of 250,000 sq m. Though its size
has significant potential, the association may have difficulty in finding a
real common front due to the different financial standings of its members.
(Puls Biznesu, page 4) A.D.
