Moscow, 2016-Sep-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — X5 Retail Group, a leading Russian food retailer, announces it has entered into a 10-year partnership agreement with SIA International Ltd., a major pharmaceutical distributor. The agreement gives priority rights for opening pharmacies in X5 stores at market sublease rates. The project aims to open at least 3,300 pharmacies in Pyaterochka, Perekrestok, and Karusel stores by the end of 2020. The shareholders of SIA International Ltd. plan to invest up to RUB 6 billion into the project.
The partnership creates synergies between X5 Retail Group’s stores and the lessee, helping to boost traffic and conversion, while customers will gain access to additional services. SIA International Ltd. will open pharmacies at X5 stores under the A-MEGA discounter brand and DA ZDOROV brand, which targets middle class customers. The pharmacies will offer 8,000 SKUs and range in size from 20 to 200 sq m. They will be located near checkouts in Perekrestok, Pyaterochka, and Karusel, and in Pyaterochka’s shopping area (shop-in-shop model).
By late 2016, SIA International Ltd. plans to open over 170 pharmacies in the Moscow metropolitan area at premises leased from X5. Going forward, the Company seeks to expand across the geographies where Pyaterochka, Perekrestok, and Karusel operate. Since July 2016, 57 pharmacies were already opened as part of a pilot project. Andrey Gusev, who previously developed the Rigla and A5 chains, will coordinate the project on behalf of SIA International Ltd.
X5 CEO Igor Shekhterman commented:
“Cooperation with one of Russia’s pharmaceuticals distribution majors is in line with the Group’s partnership strategy to provide priority additional services, which helps to create a comprehensive product and service offering across X5 stores.”
“I see synergies resulting from the combination of our experience and mature dedicated logistics services, with X5 Retail Group’s rapid deployment of new stores, stable traffic, and target audience segmentation that is fully in line with our pharmacy formats,” said Sergey Piven, President at SIA International Ltd.”
Contact:
Tel: +7 (495) 662-88-88, +7 (495) 789-95-95
Fax: +7 (495) 662-88-88, ext. 61-145
Source: X5 Retail Group