Magazine: The year of recognitions – interview

2011 was the year of professional recognitions for Coop Group. We discussed last year’s results and the outlook for 2012 with Co-op Hungary CEO László Murányi.
• – How do you evaluate 2011? 2011 was a successful year for Coop Group. We successfully realised our investments and medium-term strategic plans. Despite shrinking demand we strengthened our market position and preserved jobs.
• – What is your opinion of Coop as an employer? I am proud of our employees, it is their expertise that gives strength to our group. We are practically present in all towns and villages and we take part in vocational education. We organise trainings for about 10 percent of our employees every year. Coop actively participates in the lives of local communities and supports the areas that need it the most.
• – What were the biggest achievements of the company in 2011? In the last two years we modernised 900 of our stores. We switched from a 4-category to a 3-category system as regards our store types. We strengthened our convenience concept and the importance of fresh products. It was an important achievement that more than 1,000 stores became part of our information technology system.
• – What was consumer feedback like? Very positive and encouraging. People like if they do not have to travel far to do the shopping, especially now that fuel prices are rising and public transportation is becoming more expensive.
• – The trade also acknowledged Coop’s work… Yes, last year was the first time that a Hungarian-owned retail chain won the Business Superbrands prize. In 2006 we started our annual ‘Coop Rally’ that tries to put quality Hungarian products into the centre of attention. In December this initiative was honoured with the CSR Best Practice 2010 award in the Exemplary CSR Project category. Our website won MATISZ’s ‘User friendly website’ qualification. Another online innovation is Coop’s internal news service, which has been up and running for more than 3 years and we send a weekly newsletter to several thousands colleagues.
• – In what sense is Coop unique? Coop Group’s strength is its special regional structure. Besides the central strategy, regions have their won priorities and ideas, from which the most successful ones become nationwide practices. Suppliers also join our system at local level first and if they are able to produce quality products in the necessary volume, they can enter the national level. Coop Aid Foundation was established with regional cooperation in 2010, supporting people in need and the victims of natural disasters. In 2011 the foundation also contributed to feeding several thousand children who need special care. So far the foundation has donated support in the value of HUF 100 million.
• – What do you expect from 2012? We expect change in regulations, increased costs and lower real wages. Stagnation is forecasted in retail sales. Our goal is to preserve our market position and to give the best service to our customers.
• – One of the most important events in 2012 will be the Olympic Games in London… Coop has been a gold level supporter of the Hungarian Olympic Team since 1996. In our promotional leaflet (circulation: 1.5 million) there will be a series of interviews with Olympic athletes, through which we are going to popularise universal values connected to the Olympic movement.