After a long wait, the Basket Plus discount store – operated by the Russian-owned Svetofor Group – will finally open its doors in Budapest at the end of November. The company had previously planned to enter the Hungarian market under the name Mere. The first store will be located on Besence Street in District XVIII, near the M5 motorway’s entry section, next to the Mohu waste yard.
Russian discount store arrives in Budapest
Following Svetofor’s international model, the new discount chain will operate with minimal staff, sell products directly from pallets and crates, and offer customers low prices. The 570-square-metre store will be open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM The company is currently recruiting cashiers and forklift operators, and the contact number provided for applications has a Lithuanian prefix, Privátbankár reported.
The opening of Basket Plus has been delayed for more than a year and a half. Its Hungarian operator, TS Retail Kft., recorded a loss of HUF 187 million (EUR 485,000) last year while still in the process of hiring management and procurement staff. According to The Slovak Spectator, Svetofor’s owners, Sergey and Andrey Schneider, were placed under sanctions following the outbreak of the Russian–Ukrainian war, after which their business interests were transferred to a family member, Anna Schneider, who resides in Budapest.
Mixed success across Europe
The chain’s expansion across Europe has faced challenges. In Poland, Mere stores were forced to close following a boycott, while in the Baltic states the company rebranded as MyPrice. However, in Slovakia, the chain managed to launch successfully: its Banská Bystrica store opened in early October, offering a range of goods from fresh fruits and vegetables to canned foods, sweets, alcoholic beverages, cleaning products, and household items, according to their Facebook page.
Budget-friendly shopping option for tough times
In Budapest, Basket Plus is expected to attract cost-conscious shoppers, especially during times of economic hardship when purchasing power is weakening. The Russian discount model promises to undercut traditional multinational retailers by keeping operating costs low and prices even lower.
As for future expansion, no additional store openings in Hungary have been officially confirmed yet, and further details about the company’s local plans remain uncertain.
Look at that picture. That is what Fidesz is bringing to you. You will live and think like Russians more and more each day. This retailer is appropriately next to a waste yard. That’s the “Golden Age” coming for you.
Typical sneering condescension from an arrogant and privileged leftist.
Normal people like to have choice. In this case, we can choose to purchase perfectly good groceries and household items at prices that are cheaper due to economies of scale and cutting out the middle man.
P.S. This chain operates successfully in several other countries. I guess Fidesz is the duly elected government there, too. Clueless…
I sneer at fools who go backwards while I live in the “decadent West” where we can live a normal life. Hopefully Hungarians will wake up and stop acting like a central Asian basket case.
Maybe Hungarians will finally get the opportunity to buy Russian toilets in these stores for installation in their homes. Then you can really live like Russians and develop powerful leg muscles as you squat.
Dear Larry, I don’t think you’ve ever been to a highway toilet in the South of France!Wall-hung toilets are the most normal thing in the world there! This is the land of arrogant blowhard Macron who thinks the whole world is hanging by his ass! France the country that is virtually bankrupt!
Larry Grow up….What are you 7 years old?
Fact Russia invaded Ukraine. Fact Putin has caused the deaths of thousands of innocent woemn and childre, Fact there are many humane and thoughtful Russians. People should have aright to express opinions- Fact Hungary is a member of the EU. Fact the EU has introduced sanctions on Russian business.