In 2022, Marko Miskovic became Austria’s first BILLA retailer, thereby launching the BILLA retailer model. After eleven years as part of the BILLA family and serving as store manager at BILLA PLUS in the Merkur City shopping centre in Wiener Neustadt, he took the plunge into self-employment. Today, he runs his BILLA store at 66 Wiener Straße in Gloggnitz, putting his own distinct personal stamp on it. This is particularly evident in the product range: more than 160 local products from around 30 regional suppliers give the store a unique identity whilst also supporting local producers.
Miskovic also makes the most of the creative freedom offered by the retailer model when it comes to innovation. With the service robot ‘Gloggi’ and the cleaning robot ‘GLupschi’, he has set a special example for modern local retail: whilst ‘Gloggi’ assists customers with queries about the product range, ‘GLupschi’ autonomously ensures the shop remains clean. The idea arose from the retailer’s own initiative and demonstrates how individually BILLA retailers can further develop their shops.
“I am delighted to receive this award and see it, above all, as recognition of the achievements of the whole team. Our staff make a difference every day – through their dedication, sense of responsibility and genuine connection with our customers. Modern solutions such as Gloggi and GLupschi support us in our day-to-day work, but the focus is always on people: our team, our customers and the local community,” says Marko Miskovic, BILLA store manager in Gloggnitz.
Two career paths, one shared model
Mirnes Salkic is another example of an impressive career progression within the REWE Group. He started out as an apprentice more than 20 years ago, gained experience in various roles and managed a BILLA PLUS store in Vienna for several years. Today, he is an independent BILLA PLUS retailer on Jedleseerstraße in Vienna’s 21st district.
Across a retail area of around 1,800 m², Salkic leads a team of 54 staff members and one apprentice. His store combines a wide BILLA PLUS product range with a personal touch, regional produce and sustainable initiatives such as an in-house solar panel system and a partnership with Caritas to donate food.
“I am delighted to be running my own BILLA PLUS store as a franchisee. I can now apply and further develop the knowledge I have gained over more than two decades. My focus is always on the customers and their needs,” says Mirnes Salkic, BILLA PLUS franchisee in Vienna-Floridsdorf.
The BILLA retailer model combines entrepreneurial freedom with strong support. BILLA retailers run their stores through a joint venture with BILLA, make independent decisions and bring their own personal touch to the business. At the same time, they benefit from support in areas such as procurement, logistics and consultancy. Since 2026, the model has been open to external applicants for the first time.
Become self-employed with BILLA: 200 new BILLA retail outlets to open by the end of 2030
The BILLA Retailers programme – unique in Austria – offers a great deal of freedom whilst providing strong support from the BILLA family. BILLA Retailers can tailor their outlets to their own vision and establish strong regional roots, whilst benefiting from BILLA’s expertise and know-how. Many work closely with local businesses or implement innovative ideas. Since 2026, external candidates who have not previously worked for BILLA or REWE have also been able to apply to become BILLA franchisees. The aim is to establish 200 independently run BILLA franchise stores across Austria by the end of 2030.
