Russian Mere’s prices set to disrupt Hungary’s retail market!
Russian discount chain Mere’s entry into the Hungarian market casts doubt on promises of low prices
Mere, a Russian discount chain, has been announcing plans to expand into Hungary for quite some time. However, store openings have been repeatedly delayed, with the latest promised opening set for the first half of 2025. Despite these promises, a series of delays has raised skepticism about whether Mere will actually enter the Hungarian market.
Even though Mere does not have a physical store in Hungary yet, a leaked internal price list has revealed the chain’s ambitious pricing strategy. According to the list, Mere plans to offer its products at prices lower than all major competitors in Hungary, allowing shoppers to save up to 10-20% on their daily purchases.
The price list shows that Mere is positioning itself against major players in the Hungarian market, such as Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, Auchan, SPAR, and Penny, by undercutting their prices. The chain closely monitors its competitors’ pricing and adjusts its own prices accordingly. While these plans are currently only on paper, Mere’s potential entry into the market could bring significant changes to the Hungarian retail landscape.
Mere’s product range includes items that are significantly cheaper than those currently available in the market. For example, a liter of cider would cost HUF 846 (EUR 2.08) at Mere, compared to over HUF 1000 (EUR 2.46) at other stores. The chain also offers competitive prices on staples like wheat flour and cooking oil, promising savings of up to 20% on these products.
One distinguishing feature of Mere is its limited product range and focus on cheaper, lesser-known brands. The chain sells products from pallets rather than shelves, which sets it apart from traditional retailers. While Mere’s narrower selection may not appeal to all shoppers, its lower prices and unique offerings, such as oriental sweets and Russian dairy products, could attract certain customer groups.
While Mere’s arrival in Hungary promises to bring competitive prices and potentially reshape the retail market, the practical implementation of these plans remains uncertain. If Mere fails to enter the market as promised, it could lose the trust of both customers and suppliers. Only time will tell whether Mere’s low-price strategy will truly benefit Hungarian shoppers or remain an unfulfilled promise.
