The Retailer of the Year 2024 Winners Announced (with photos)

Award winners of the Retailer of the Year 2024 competition

Each year, Trade magazine recognizes the outstanding work of retailers, whether they are a single sales point or part of a larger chain. This year, the annual competition, typically held in the spring, was announced under a new name with a simpler format. As in previous years, applications for the “Retailer of the Year 2024” competition could only be submitted electronically, but the competition expanded to include more categories, allowing for a broader range of participants.

In the Retailer of the Year competition, stores were judged on how well their design matched the sales concept, how the exterior and interior met the needs of their target audience, the product presentation, staff, service, and communication. There were no restrictions on store profiles, so all types of businesses, from grocery stores and bookstores to national tobacco shops, pharmacies, brand stores, and catering establishments, were eligible to enter. Owners, tenants, architects, designers, and contractors could enter together or individually. This year also continued the competition for retail chains, evaluated in the same categories based on market results, development goals, and complex operational assessments. Several additional special prizes were introduced this year as well.

This year, a prestigious jury evaluated nearly 40 applications, but customers also had the opportunity to highlight their favorites through audience awards in both the individual and chain categories. In addition to category winners, audience award winners, and special prize winners, there were also overall winners who received the highest points from the jury. This year, three new special awards were also announced for the first time.

Martin Coulam, Tesco-Global Operations Director, received the Audience Award for Best Retail Chain

Nébih KMÉ Sustainability Special Award: 

The Excellent Quality Food (KMÉ) trademark, supported by the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih), represents a national quality system in Hungary’s food sector. Since its establishment, Nébih has been actively promoting climate-friendly practices in the domestic food chain. Therefore, in addition to high quality and food safety, sustainability is also a fundamental requirement for products carrying the KMÉ trademark. This award was selected and presented by Nébih from the Retailer of the Year entrants based on the specific criteria outlined in the competition, honoring the “greenest” retailer of the year.

Judit Dobrovitsné Király, Auchan’s Product Range and Procurement Director, Gabriella Vágóné Varga, Product Range and Procurement Director, and Ildikó Balázs, Corporate Relations Director

Eszter Varga, Tesco-Global’s External Communications Manager, and Lívia Zsilkina, Community and CSR Manager

Special Awards from MARS Hungary and Trade magazine:

This year, MARS Hungary also supported the Retailer of the Year competition, exclusively offering a special award for retail chains. Similarly, Trade magazine also named a special award winner for the first time in 2024, focusing solely on retail chains and their unique projects and outstanding achievements compared to previous years. 

MARS Special Award received by Judit Tőzsér, CEO of Lidl

Trade magazine’s Special Award received by Eszter Kazatsay, Communications Manager at PENNY

The award ceremony took place on September 26, 2024, at the gala dinner of the conference. A total of 22 applications were recognized.

Among the applicants of the Retailer of the Year competition, the sales point with the highest evaluation received the Store of the Year Hungary 2024 award, while the most successful retail chains were awarded the Retailer of the Year 2024 title. 

József Rácz, owner and managing director of Prémium Kert

Judit Tőzsér, CEO of Lidl

Winners of Retailer of the Year 2024:

Main category for sales points

In November 2023, the second INTERSPAR store in Debrecen, located in the rapidly developing southern area of the city, opened its doors. The new hypermarket is especially attractive to residents of southern Debrecen, employees in the local business district, and inhabitants of nearby towns. With a 2,600-square-meter area and over 20,000 products, the store provides convenient shopping with a comfortable 140-space parking lot and easy access via public transportation. The store incorporates environmentally conscious solutions such as LED lighting, CO2-based refrigeration technology, and digital price displays to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Eduard Vonier, CEO of SPAR, and Márk Maczelka, Communications Director

The Príma Supermarket in Corvin Plaza focuses on meeting customer comfort and needs. Alongside an exceptional selection of meats, a wide range of Hungarian fruits and vegetables, and an outstanding wine selection, it caters to special dietary needs with gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, vegan, and paleo options. The modern interior design and advanced lighting provide a new shopping experience in the elegant 3,500-square-meter store.

Anita Kozma, Marketing Manager at Városház-Centrál

During SPAR Hungary’s store renovation last year, the Újpest supermarket was redesigned with a focus on customer convenience and sustainability. Located in the heart of the district at the corner of Szent Imre and Görgey Artúr streets, the modern and spacious interior welcomes local residents and workers from nearby business areas. The modernization, implemented through a self-funded project, allows SPAR to continue offering a wide range of products, including healthy and convenient items like those from SPAR toGo.

Eduard Vonier, CEO of SPAR, and Márk Maczelka, Communications Director

Lidl Hungary is a leading food retailer that entered the market in 2004 and now operates 207 stores nationwide. The chain stands out for its excellent value-for-money and product quality, earning recognition both locally and internationally. The Budaörsi Road store, marking Lidl’s 200th store, boasts a strategic location, modern design, and sustainable solutions like green energy use and food-saving initiatives.

Judit Tőzsér, CEO of Lidl

The Coop ABC small store on Kübekháza’s main square has been renovated both inside and out over recent years, following the values of Coop Szeged Ltd. The store aimed to meet customer demands and expand its product range through energy investments, such as solar panels and equipment upgrades. Supported by the Hungarian Village Program, the store also operates a post office and lottery services, and introduced a mandatory return system. The store was revamped under new branding guidelines and introduced a loyalty card system, which has been available through a mobile app since 2023.

Krisztina Kiss, Deputy CEO of Coop Szeged

Rossmann drugstore offers a wide selection of cosmetic products, vitamins, health products, and baby items. The newly reopened store features spacious, modern interiors with illuminated endcaps that highlight the extensive skincare range and provide opportunities for product testing. In addition to competitive pricing and high-quality private label products, expert sales staff are available to assist customers. The store is also easily accessible for those with strollers and is equipped with modern facilities.

Fornetti strives to ensure customer satisfaction and safety. Last year, Fornetti successfully managed challenges and continued to strengthen its leadership position in the regional market. With a wide range of products and a diversified target audience, the franchise appeals to all age groups while providing modern and sustainable solutions to ensure its stores are environmentally conscious. Through ongoing store renovations and product developments, Fornetti constantly innovates to offer optimal shopping experiences for its customers.

István Herczeg, CEO of Fornetti

ETELE Plaza, as Hungary’s first smart plaza, places special emphasis on harmonizing exterior and interior design while implementing barrier-free, sustainable solutions. The shopping center caters to visitors with pets, families with small children, the elderly, and individuals with mobility or sensory impairments. It also features modern self-service checkouts and a mobile app for a personalized shopping experience. The center serves as a cultural meeting point, hosting unique events and boasting a high-level sustainability certification.

With the introduction of the BENU 2.0 concept, the Thököly Road pharmacy in Budapest has been revitalized, offering a modern, friendly atmosphere and easier navigation for customers. BENU applied this open-shelf concept in 230 pharmacies across Hungary, and the network reached another milestone with the opening of its 500th pharmacy. The new Thököly pharmacy is larger, brighter, and more transparent, offering an extensive selection, particularly in health maintenance and dermocosmetic products. The concept focuses on the prevention of illnesses and the maintenance of health, while enhancing the customer experience.

Dr. Zsolt Fodor, Regional Representative of BENU, and Dr. Csaba Séllei, Head of BENU Thököly Road Pharmacy

On April 17, 2024, the Vitamin Szalon store in Szeged relocated to Mérey Street. The move brought the store to a more prominent location, strengthening the brand and expanding its product offerings. The new store features a larger customer area and modern equipment designed for easier service and product visibility. Vitamin Szalon continues to focus on maintaining its producer base and providing fresh products.

József Rácz, owner and managing director of Prémium Kert

The “Te Napod” website offers thematic experience gifts in categories such as gastronomy, wellness, and adventure, with 50-100-250 selectable programs. Gift vouchers are valid for 15 months, and the recipient chooses their desired experience. The 12 types of elegant, eco-conscious gift boxes stand out for their uniqueness and personalization, offering the option to add written, audio, and video messages. Their goal is to provide lasting shared experiences instead of unnecessary objects, allowing customers to give creative and unique gifts.

Szilvia Dévényi-Radó, owner and CEO of Square One Media

Located on one of Budapest’s busiest roads, Tesco Pólus offers a unique shopping experience with a wide product selection and services. The store incorporates modern retail innovations such as self-checkouts and the Scan&Shop system, providing efficient and convenient shopping. Additionally, the store actively participates in the local community through food-saving programs, donating significant amounts of food to those in need in collaboration with the Nagycsaládosok Újpalotai Egyesülete (Large Families’ Association of Újpalota).

Norbert Jozefiák, Store Manager at Tesco Pólus Center

Main Category for Retail Chains

In 2023, Auchan Hungary actively developed its retail offerings and customer experience. The company launched several innovative initiatives, such as its partnership with the EFOTT festival, attracting young customers with a wide product range and entertaining programs. During the December VIP Shopping Night, they provided unique shopping experiences for their loyal customers with extreme discounts. Additionally, Auchan’s introduction of its own-brand Qilive electronics and technical products was a key event, further strengthening its position in the Hungarian market.

Judit Dobrovitsné Király, Product Range and Procurement Director of Auchan, Gabriella Vágóné Varga, Product Range and Procurement Director, and Ildikó Balázs, Corporate Relations Director

SPAR Hungary operates 332 supermarkets nationwide, which are popular with customers and offer a wide range of products. The company pays special attention to sustainable operations and reducing plastic use, saving around 600 tons of plastic and paper annually. SPAR places great emphasis on local products, with 92% of its procurement sourced from Hungarian suppliers, supporting the local economy and small businesses. The company continuously upgrades its stores and expands its network; in 2023, new stores were opened, and several were modernized. SPAR is also a key player in corporate social responsibility, making significant donations and contributing to sustainability initiatives.

Márk Maczelka, SPAR Communications Director, and Eduard Vonier, CEO

Lidl Hungary, one of the country’s most dynamically growing food retailers, entered the market in 2004, and in nearly two decades, it has achieved continuous growth and market leadership. Lidl’s dominant position in the discount segment was reaffirmed in the 2023 Trade Magazine retail chain rankings, where it has held the top spot for four consecutive years. The company’s strengths include its standardized store structure, continuously improved product range, and outstanding performance in efficient operations. Lidl is committed to supporting the Hungarian economy through billions of forints in investments, wages, and donations. Furthermore, its supplier support program helps Hungarian producers reach international markets and increase exports.

Judit Tőzsér, CEO of Lidl

Over the past 29 years, Coop has become a key player in Hungarian retail as one of the largest, 100% Hungarian-owned franchise chains. The company consistently adapts to current trends and store developments, with a focus on sustainability and environmental considerations, not only in big cities but also in small villages. Coop’s village stores play a significant role in ensuring the supply of goods to local communities while leading in energy efficiency and environmental awareness.

László Pekó, Chairman of the Board of CO-OP Hungary

In 2023, Rossmann celebrated a milestone by marking its 30th anniversary with a grand festival. More than 1,500 employees participated in the event held at the Üllő sports field, enjoying a variety of programs, health screenings, and entertainment options. The festival not only commemorated the anniversary but also strengthened the company’s community spirit and commitment to employee satisfaction and well-being.

In 2023, METRO Wholesale made significant progress in strengthening its B2B relationships and brand building. METRO’s brand recognition increased notably among business decision-makers, earning the Business Superbrands award. They organized several groundbreaking events, such as the Sustainable Gastronomy Forum and the “Séf the World” environmental competition, while also introducing their new brand ambassador, Bence Dalnoki. The renewal of the METRO Gastro Academy and the renovation of stores contributed to the company’s growth and enhanced its community relationships.

Vladimir Gnjidić, CEO of METRO

PlusMarket, a rural drugstore and grocery network, achieved significant growth and success in 2023. Under the leadership of Dél-100 Ltd., the franchise system continues to expand and strengthen, as evidenced by increased revenue and market presence. The success of the business model is driven by close partnerships and a strong focus on customer satisfaction. PlusMarket’s continued expansion and commercial success, along with key awards, demonstrate its stable and sustainable growth trajectory.

István Dobi, founder and owner of Dél-100

In 2023, BENU Hungary continued to expand its pharmacy network, reaching 500 public pharmacies and pharmacy branches. Their franchise system showed dynamic growth, welcoming their 250th partner. Their holiday campaign “500 places for you!” highlighted their commitment to growth, offering significant discounts and creating community initiatives as part of their strategy.

Dr. Zsolt Fodor, Regional Representative of BENU, and Dr. Csaba Séllei, Head of BENU Thököly Road Pharmacy

In 2023, PENNY actively modernized its stores with a new image and upgrades to enhance the shopping experience. The store network expanded further, with 233 modern, energy-efficient stores now in operation across the country. An important role was given to their initiative to reduce food waste, in collaboration with Munch, where tens of thousands of food packages were saved from waste. Additionally, in partnership with the Hungarian Red Cross, PENNY distributed significant amounts of food to families in need, involving thousands of volunteers in donation collection and distribution.

In response to economic challenges in 2023, Tesco focused on reducing household expenses, such as keeping the prices of 600 basic products low through its Price Guarantee campaign and refunding the difference if cheaper elsewhere. Tesco also supports customers through additional discounts via the Clubcard loyalty program, including weekly discounts for pensioners. The company aims to become carbon neutral in its operations by 2035 and across its entire value chain by 2050, with initiatives such as installing solar panels. Tesco is confident in its long-term presence in the Hungarian market, offering a wide range of store formats to meet changing customer needs.

Congratulations to the Award Winners!

The professional jury for the Retailer of the Year 2024 competition included:

We thank the Jury for their work!