New Russian Budget Supermarket Chain Launches In The UK

A new budget Russian supermarket chain, called MERE, has launched in the UK this September with its first site landing in Preston, Lancashire. The MERE chain has been described as 'the Russian Lidl' where 'every aisle is like Aldi's middle section', and claims to undercut all other budget retailers by up to 30%.

Other stores have quickly followed in Wales and Castleford too with a wider list of towns and cities expected to see a MERE land soon around the UK. The chain was founded in Russia back in 2009, operating under the brand name Svetofor, and had over 1,000 sites by 2016 around the country. Before expanding around Eastern Europe, MERE opened stores in China and Kazakhstan too, with over 3,200 stores internationally today.

The store layouts follow a simple format of having product stacked directly on pallets with walk-in chiller rooms too. The no-frills model is also covered by only having a small number of members of staff in each store. The MERE chain gives the appearance more of a wholesaler rather than your usual supermarket, but largely follows the feel of Lidl and Aldi's format and layout.

On their website, the brand states: MERE stores are distinguished by a diverse range of high-quality products and an optimal price-quality ratio. With our unique experience in the supply of fresh products, we are far ahead of other market players. Find out more on the MERE website here.

Another new opening in the affordable retail sector comes over in the United States where globally-inspired lifestyle brand MINISO is opening its flagship store in Tangram, New York. MINISO embraces inspiration from around the world to offer high quality household goods, cosmetics and food at affordable prices with a focus on sleek design and fun trends.

MINISO has collaborated with world-famous brands like Coca Cola, Marvel, Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, Mickey and Minnie, and We Bare Bears, to release playful crossover products.

With stores in over 95 countries, none of its products are over $10, so shoppers can always leave with a new covetable item when MINISO opens its doors in 2022 at New York's vibrant mixed use location, Tangram, which offers convenient shopping and entertainment all in one venue that's design is inspired by the traditional Chinese puzzle sharing the same name. Find out more about Tangram here.