Brian Beck, Board Member for Wholesale and Merchants, explains: "Today is a significant milestone for BILLA and I am delighted to welcome Marko Miskovic as the first merchant in the BILLA family. In the last two years, a number of new structures have been created at BILLA, such as the merging of purchasing, the establishment of the sales regions and the brand merger - MERKUR became BILLA PLUS. With the BILLA Kaufleute model, we have not only developed a unique model, but are also taking the next step towards an even more successful future together with our Kaufleute."
Entrepreneurial spirit and profound know-how run in the family
Entrepreneurship and merchants have always been deeply anchored in the DNA of REWE Group: REWE Group in Germany has been implementing its merchant model highly successfully for many decades, while in Austria the ADEG stores are excellently managed by merchants. Entrepreneurial action, maximum proximity to customers, awareness of the region and its people as well as their personal signature are what distinguish merchants and make stores managed by them so special and economically successful. In addition, this form of retailing - along with the development of an omni-channel model - is the most important growth factor in European retailing. Based on the experience, know-how and expertise of REWE Group and in view of current developments, the BILLA Kaufleute model has been created as a unique and very attractive partnership model in Austria, characterised by above-average support and a reliable safety net, and distinguished from existing models by this reduced risk, among other things.
BILLA stands by the merchants as a strong partner with advice and support. They benefit from the expertise and know-how of the BILLA family - for example, significantly in the coordination of important decisions such as investments. In addition, BILLA provides the joint companies with a balanced and attractively priced basic product range, which offers additional support and security. BILLA also supports the retailers in the design of the stores, in purchasing, with strong own brands and a comprehensive supplier network, in questions of energy efficiency and provides technical support. In addition, BILLA merchants receive a service package with all the necessary tools to successfully manage the store.
The commercially managed store offers new highlights and a proven shopping experience
The BILLA store at Wienerstraße 66 in Gloggnitz, managed by merchant Marko Miskovic, impresses on the outside with its modern BILLA design, which has been extended to include the merchant's last name in large letters. Inside, it convinces with new highlights such as over 40 additional shelf metres, meat counter, coffee to go and a cosy area that invites you to linger and have a snack. The unique heart of the market is Marko Miskovic's personal signature, which runs through all areas and is particularly visible in the careful selection of local products from suppliers in the area. The merchant relies on the cooperation with 30 local suppliers and offers more than 160 local products in his market, such as delicatessen specialities from the Kabinger butchery, apples and juices from Most Michl, goat cheese from Mandl's Ziegenhof or fish from the Piringer farm.
"The BILLA Kaufleute model is a great opportunity for me because I can work in an even more self-determined way than before, but I still know that BILLA is a strong partner at my side. I deliberately chose the BILLA Kaufleute model because I get more support and security at all levels. This extensive support and the resulting reduced personal risk are significant advantages for me and were decisive in the consideration process," Marko Miskovic, BILLA merchant in Gloggnitz, explains the motives behind his decision and continues: "As a store manager, I have already been part of the BILLA family for eleven years and am very pleased that the BILLA merchant model offers me many new opportunities. I know the region and its people - I particularly enjoy intensifying the relationship and exchange with customers. It is also very important to me to support regional and local suppliers and to give them a stage.
100 BILLA merchants by 2026
As a further commitment to merchandising, the new "Wholesale and Merchants" department was founded at BILLA in July 2022, which Brian Beck has since headed as a member of the Executive Board. The board department acts as support for both BILLA merchants and ADEG merchants and bundles strengths and expertise. Next year, a total of 15 businessmen and businesswomen who manage BILLA and BILLA PLUS stores will benefit from this - by 2026, there will already be 100 BILLA businessmen. "My team and I are pleased to be the first point of contact for the merchants with our department and are ready to welcome many prospective merchants to BILLA. Especially for current BILLA and BILLA PLUS store managers, more than 60 % of whom are women throughout Austria, the decision to switch to the Kaufleute model opens up new perspectives," emphasises Brian Beck.
Further information can be found at: billa.at/miskovic