MINSK, 2 February (BelTA) – The Trade Ministry of Belarus will promote the development of convenience stores in the country this year, First Deputy Trade Minister Alexander Zabello said at the ministerial meeting on 1 February to review the performance of the sector in 2011 and outline tasks for 2012. According to the official, the state supports so-called neighborhood retailers. Such stores are very popular in other CIS countries. The analysis shows that the town-planning and investment local policy often excludes the involvement of trade departments. For example, Minsk downtown lacks food stores with a wide assortment. The same situation is seen in many other cities, too. With this, infrastructure intensive development depends on timely and well-thought decisions made by local authorities, their direct communication with potential investors and builders, the official believes. Retail chains are well-established on the Belarusian market. Their presence does good for the competition, the quality of service, and the level of consumer prices. They also have advanced control and storages facilities and a large fleet for transport vehicles. The construction of large retail centers is an integral part of the effort to increase the retail network in the country. By the end of 2015, the provision with trading space is projected at 600 square meters per 1 thousand of people, i.e. 1.5 times more than it is now. Starting from 2007, the trading network expanded at an annual average rate of 2,500 stores. However, in the next five years the growth target is only 1,811 retail facilities. “In this regard, we need to re-examine the plans and make adjustments,” suggests Alexander Zabello. According to international experience, chain retailing can take up 90% of the retail market. But using their dominant position on the market, retail chains can dramatically reduce the quality of service. This is why it is important to open more corner shops, stressed Alexander Zabello.

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