With cash reserves that exceed €10 million and no bank debt, Bazaar is planning its next moves in a market where consolidation is accelerating and the need for greater scale is becoming increasingly pressing.
Its cash reserves give it scope to consider new investment and potential acquisitions at a time when competition in food retail is intensifying.
The chain owned by the Verouka family, which came close to a deal with Retail & More last year, is continuing to pursue its own strategy and investment plans, with a focus on expanding its network and strengthening its infrastructure.
Expansion into new regions, store modernisation, supply-chain upgrades and growth in wholesale are at the heart of its plans, company sources told Euro2day.gr.
Against this backdrop, Bazaar has budgeted for investment of €1.5m-€2m this year, while its plans for 2027 call for about €3m. The funds will go towards property purchases, equipment and refurbishments, while the company is also considering selective acquisition opportunities.
The new plans follow a year in which Bazaar increased turnover by 5.27% to €261.47 million, although profitability did not follow suit. Net profit fell to €2.61 million from €4.38 million in 2024, while pre-tax profit dropped to €3.46 million from €5.4 million. The gross profit margin declined to 24.42% from 24.93%, reflecting the pressure on the chain.
Last year, the company made investments of about €2.9 million, mainly in facilities and equipment for new stores. Its network comprises 215 company-owned and franchised outlets, with the focus this year on opening new stores in Attica and elsewhere.
Priority is being given to the smaller-store format, with outlets of up to 400 sq m serving everyday shopping needs, particularly in densely populated areas and tourist destinations.
At the same time, Bazaar is seeking to expand its wholesale food business (through franchise network expansion) and its presence in the HoReCa market. Management expects sales to rise again in 2026, targeting €270 million, supported by consumers’ shift towards neighbourhood stores as well as stronger demand from tourism and food services.
Market consolidation is creating a new landscape for Bazaar, too. The company has already made a move in the acquisition market, buying three Grocery 362 stores. Whether further deals will follow remains to be seen.