Metro Cash & Carry has rolled out a new store franchise network in Serbia. The first Jutro outlet has opened in Divcibare, a key tourist destination in Serbia, offering over 5,000 SKUs, including local products. The wholesaler’s strategy is to support the opening of hundreds of Jutro stores in Serbia, by investing in the improvement of existing small- to medium-sized commercial facilities over the coming years. The wholesaler will offer different models of financial support, depending on the condition of the proposed sites and the interest of owners to carry out certain improvements independently.
Metro will share its knowledge and experience with trade franchises operating under various names in other countries, such as Romania, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The company will also seek to introduce new digital solutions to the outlets, ensuring greater efficiency in areas such as deliveries and orders.
Andre Rinnensland, general manager of Metro Cash & Carry Serbia, said: "We believe in the need to support family-run, independent retailers, and are aware of the challenges they are faced with."
Branka Ilic, owner of the first Jutro outlet, said: "We've been collaborating with Metro for two decades, but opted to join the new store program to improve the shopping experience for the increasing number of tourists in the area."
Metro Cash & Carry Serbia has been present in the Balkan country since 2005, where it is a leading food wholesaler.
