The winners of the 2025 Retailer of the Year award have been announced

Winners of the Retailer of the Year 2025 competition

Every year Trade magazin rewards the successful work of retailers, whether they are a single point of sale, i.e. a store or a chain consisting of several stores. The competition is announced every spring and this year it was launched with a new name and a simpler appearance and format. Just like in previous years, entries for the “Retailer of the Year 2025” competition could only be submitted electronically, but in many more categories than before, in order to expand the pool of participants.

The Retailer of the Year competition featured stores whose design best matched their sales concept, whose exterior and interior appearance, product presentation, staff and service harmonised with the needs of their target group – and whose communication reflected all of this. There were no restrictions on the profile of the shops and all operating categories were eligible, from grocery stores to bookshops, national tobacco shops, pharmacies, manufacturer brand stores and hospitality units. Owners or tenants, architects, designers and contractors could enter, either jointly or independently. This year saw the continuation of the chain store competition, based on market results, success, development goals and complex operational assessments in the same categories. Several special prize sponsors joined the award programme in 2025.

A new feature this year was the retail chain portfolio, which gave retail chains the opportunity to submit independent applications showcasing their unique and diverse product or service portfolios, which set them apart on the market and help them stand out in everyday competition.

In addition to the evaluation by a jury of renowned professionals, this year shoppers also had the opportunity to highlight their favourites with a customer choice award, choosing both from the shops and from the chains. Besides the category winners, customer choice award winners and special award winners, there were also overall winners: those who received the most points from the jury. In 2025 three special awards were announced for the first time.

The results were announced on 25 September 2025 at the gala dinner of the conference, where a total of 32 entries received recognitions.

From the entries in the Retailer of the Year competition, the point of sale with the best rating received the Store of the Year Hungary award, while the most successful store chains won the Retailer of the Year award.

The myPOS special award:

One of Europe’s leading fintech companies, myPOS offers innovative payment solutions for businesses. In addition to secure and fast payment solutions, the company places a high value on digital innovation, supporting flexibility and encouraging sustainable operations. myPOS awarded this prize to one of the nominees for Retailer of the Year, based on the criteria specified in the competition, in recognition of the most inspiring, digitally advanced and environmentally conscious business of the year.

The special awards of MARS Magyarország and Trade magazin:

This year MARS Magyarország supported the Retailer of the Year competition for the second time. Similarly, Trade magazin also named a special award winner for the second time, again examining the nominees and their unique projects, as well as their outstanding performances compared to previous years.

Retailer of the Year 2025 winners:

Points of sale main category

Modernised in 2024 from a budget of more than HUF 1.2 billion, the INTERSPAR hypermarket in Székesfehérvár has become one of the most modern and versatile stores in the region, where sustainability, customer experience and employee satisfaction are the three pillars that define its operation. The redesigned interior, environmentally friendly technologies (LED lighting, CO2 cooling) and refurbished equipment are good examples of the practical application of circular economy principles. The store’s wide range of products, cooperation with local producers and digital solutions deliver a personalised experience for all target groups. The hypermarket also functions as a logistics centre and plays an active role in reducing food waste, for example through the Munch platform.

Príma Corvin isn’t just a shop, because it offers a new kind of shopping experience; it is a place where premium products, affordable prices, excellent services and a stylish environment are in perfect balance. Its own bakery, salad bar, grill counter, allergen information system, family-friendly atmosphere and sustainable operation make the store special. At Príma Corvin shoppers don’t just shop – they relax, find inspiration and are happy to return. This approach and attitude make the store a prominent player on the market.

Buda Gourmet Market by Príma is a stylish, premium food store in Buda that combines Hungarian values, quality and a great shopping experience. The shop serves conscious and gourmet shoppers with its own bakery, fresh hot meals every day, more than 150 types of fruit and vegetables, as well as artisanal and organic products. The special atmosphere evokes the world of gourmet shops in Western Europe, while its sustainable and practical operation also protects the environment. Príma Corvin’s goal is to make every customer feel that they aren’t just shopping, but enjoying an experience that goes beyond the products – style, quality, reliability and an inspirational atmosphere.

Lidl Magyarország celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2024, while further strengthening its market-leading position by opening new stores and achieving 14% growth in sales. The store in Érd serves locals with sustainable technologies, a wide range of Hungarian products and a customer-friendly layout, attracting more than 15,000 shoppers a week. The store’s special features include packaging-free products, the “Let’s Save!” programme and a selection of products designed for people following special diets. Lidl’s goal is to satisfy all customer needs with high-quality domestic products and innovative solutions with an excellent price-value ratio.

The Rossmann drugstore that opened in the Árkád Budapest shopping centre is the chain’s 250^th store in Hungary and a significant milestone in the history of the company. It covers 458m² in a busy location and welcomes an average of 1,600 customers per day. The store offers a large selection of products, from cosmetics and baby products to health and chemical products, while innovative shelf-end solutions and interactive testers help customers in their shopping. Its sustainable operation, energy-efficient LED lighting and modern, transparent interior have been designed with comfort and environmental awareness in mind. Its market-leading position is guaranteed by a strong loyalty programme, social responsibility and continuous innovation.

The Príma supermarket in Alsónémedi offers a fresh, large selection of locally produced food products and personalised service based on a value system of “respect”. Its modern technologies – solar panels, digital price tags, energy-saving systems – ensure both sustainability and a modern shopping experience. Its unique character comes from the appreciation of its employees, flexible adaptation to local needs and direct customer relations. The store has become an important meeting place in the town and a respected and active member of the community.

Lindt has been building its Hungarian brand store network since 2019 and by 2025 it has eight premium stores in Budapest, serving customers with a uniform image and an expanding range of products. The reopened and enlarged Lindt Store in Westend stands out not only in terms of size, but also in terms of its product offering: in addition to chocolate, it now sells ice cream, shakes and coffee as well. Lindt stores are built on experience-based shopping, with exclusive products, seasonal designs and gift wrapping options, creating strong brand loyalty. Their excellent results are supported by creative marketing, influencer campaigns and on-site activities.

Fornetti’s customer-centric and innovative concept is evident in all areas of business development, while its products are accessible to all age groups and lifestyles. The fresh, modern image and state-of-the-art service solutions harmoniously enhance the customer experience, with turnover increasing by 100% after the refurbishment. The brand’s communication strengthens sales and customer relationships by coordinating traditional and digital channels. This makes Fornetti a true favourite for everyone, a place where quality, innovation and customer experience go hand in hand.

Auchan GO is Hungary’s first fully automated, unmanned, 0-24 hours digital store, offering a contactless shopping experience with one-of-a-kind technologies – AI-powered cameras, weight-sensing shelves and QR code access. The concept aims to redefine fast and convenient shopping while ensuring sustainable, paperless and energy-efficient operation. The store, which covers just 18m², targets young, digitally savvy shoppers and offers a range of products tailored to different lifestyles. The project isn’t only a technological innovation, but also a mindset-shaping innovation that brings the Auchan brand closer to new target groups.

The Coop Piactér store in Szeged has undergone a complete renovation and is now Hungary’s first automated hybrid smart store: it operates with shop assistants during the day and a self-service system that can be opened with an app at night. The 150m² store offers more than 4,000 products and is equipped with modern technologies such as AI-powered theft protection, self-service checkouts and image recognition scales. The aim of these innovations is to give shoppers 24-hour access to the full selection of products, even without a staff, in a safe and convenient manner. The project stands alone at a national level and is a great example of Coop’s digitalisation and sustainability efforts.

In just two months and with an investment of HUF 130 million, Tesco opened its modern, shopper-centred Express store on Pozsonyi út in the 13^th district, offering customers 3,800 different products, including premium and free-from items, as well as fresh baked goods every day. Convenience was a key consideration in the design of the store: self-service checkouts, the Scan&Shop app, fast home delivery and a barrier-free environment serve the local community. The store joined the food rescue programme on the day it opened and has so far donated more than 4 tonnes of leftover food to those in need. Convenient shopping and a family atmosphere combine to make the new Tesco a reliable and beloved store in the neighbourhood.

The BENU 2.0 concept has brought a modern pharmacy experience to the BENU Pharmacy on Széna Square, with a bright, friendly space and a customer-friendly layout. The emphasis on prevention, the large product selection – including own brands and dermocosmetics – and the newly designed LIVSANE furniture offer an outstanding customer experience. Since the 2024 renovation they have achieved significant growth in turnover, with sales of own brand products nearly doubling. With digital displays, modern design and expert advice, BENU goes beyond the traditional pharmacy function and becomes a community health centre.

For more than 30 years Fulker H+F Kft. has been offering professional, comprehensive catering solutions for hotels, restaurants and event venues, from consultation to delivery. In 2024 they opened a new 240m² showroom and a 1,200m² warehouse at the Park22 logistics centre, which supports experience-based decision-making and fast service. Uniquely, they conduct on-site serving trials, assisting partners with project management and visual designs to create customised solutions. Through their innovative model and large inventory, they build long-term, personal partnerships – not just sales.

In Hungary the popularity of the experience gift market is growing and the company offers more than 1,700 different experience services through 400 partners, to provide lasting moments instead of objects. The focus isn’t on coupon discounts, but on quality, special experiences that customers can access at the original prices of the service providers. The company operates in a family atmosphere, responding quickly and flexibly to market changes, while serving more than 250,000 customers during its 11 years of operation. The firm is one of the top three domestic experience gift web stores, with annual turnover exceeding HUF 1 billion, and it builds its communication through multiple social platforms.

The PlusMarket store in Gyula opened in 2024 as the 49^th unit in the franchise network, with a focus on customer experience, design and product range. The store offers a wide range of products in the drugstore, food and non-food categories, with an emphasis on reform, organic and environmentally friendly solutions. The network’s strengths are personal contact, rapid adaptation to local needs and customer-friendly prices. The PlusMarket brand is visually recognisable with its magenta colour scheme and its commitment to sustainability and a health-conscious lifestyle.

Retail chains main category

INTERSPAR continued to be the market leader in the domestic hypermarket segment in 2024, with an outstanding product selection, fresh food counters and customer-focused services. The chain modernised its stores in Székesfehérvár, Zalaegerszeg and Pécs in the spirit of sustainability and energy efficiency, while enhancing the customer experience with digital developments and modern interior design. More than 91% of the 30,000 products on offer come from Hungarian sources and SPAR actively supports domestic producers and charitable initiatives. More than 2,500 employees work every day to ensure that INTERSPAR stores are family-friendly, convenient and socially responsible.

SPAR Magyarország underwent dynamic business development in 2024: it opened two new supermarkets, modernised another seven and expanded its network with 35 new franchise units. The investments were aimed at enhancing the customer experience, energy-efficient operation, and the introduction of digital and sustainable solutions. The retailer also demonstrated significant social responsibility through food rescue, support for people in need and the integration of local producers. Recognitions, internal training and employee programmes all reinforce SPAR’s stable, progressive and responsible role in the Hungarian market.

Lidl Magyarország celebrated its 20^th anniversary in 2024 and further strengthened its market-leading position in the FMCG sector with more than 14% growth in turnover. The highlight of the year was the start of construction of the fifth logistics centre, while 12 new stores opened across Hungary. Particular attention was paid to promoting and exporting Hungarian products, as well as reducing the burden on shoppers through price reductions. Employee well-being, sustainability and social responsibility also played a key role, as evidenced by numerous awards and recognitions.

In 2024 dm implemented significant developments in the areas of digitalisation, sustainability, logistics and business development, while striving for efficient operation and high quality. Outstanding achievements included the introduction of a unified IT system covering all dm countries, the launch of a combined delivery model and investments in store energy efficiency. Employee training, well-being and social engagement were given high priority, just like education and health promotion. Sales grew by double digits, while customer loyalty and sustainable operations contributed to dm maintaining its market leader position.

In connection with its 30^th anniversary in 2024, METRO strengthened its wholesale role with a strategic renewal, modernising the classic Cash & Carry model with delivery and digital channels. It gave outstanding support to the hospitality industry with innovative solutions, own brand products, sustainable gastronomic programmes and the training courses of the Gastro Academy. It also focused on the development, retention and well-being of employees, while making its stores more efficient and greener through energy upgrades. Its business results were based on high-level partnerships, service-based operations and a product range tailored to price-sensitive and professional buyers.

As Hungary’s largest pharmacy chain, BENU operated more than 500 pharmacies, employed 3,000 professionals and had a dynamically growing franchise system in 2024, while achieving 12% growth in turnover. The most important development of the year was the introduction of the BENU Loyalty Card and Premium Programme, which has already attracted nearly 200,000 customers and taken the customer experience to a new level. The company won numerous domestic and international awards, while also actively contributing to the common good through its social responsibility programmes (such as BENU Angel and health screenings). The modernised pharmacy concept, professional support and customer-centric approach have made BENU a prominent market player.

In 2024 Praktiker further strengthened its position on the domestic DIY market by opening three new stores and modernising several existing ones to better meet customer needs. The company paid special attention to expert support, improving the customer experience, personalised offers and digital developments, including the Praktiker Plusz loyalty programme. In the spirit of sustainability, they use LED lighting, solar panel systems and recycled packaging, while strengthening their social responsibility through educational programmes and local support. As a Hungarian-owned company, they achieve all this through quick response times and a deeper understanding of domestic needs.

Retail chain portfolios main category

Auchan’s wine portfolio is a strategically important category, based on promoting Hungarian wine culture and supporting domestic wineries, offering wines from more than 150 producers throughout the year. 92% of the product range consists of Hungarian wines, which are presented in an educational and experience-focused way, broken down by region and winery, with an outstanding selection of champagnes and premium wines. Behind the portfolio there is a dedicated team of experts who constantly respond to customer needs with educational campaigns, wine fairs and a modernised store concept. Auchan also gives smaller wineries the opportunity to showcase their products, making the product selection not only wide but also unique and sustainable.

METRO’s fish selection is one of its most successful business areas, offering a wide range of fresh, frozen and processed fish products to its professional partners and retail customers. Its offering is supported by great professional expertise, modern processing capacity and a fast logistics system, ensuring that fish reaches the counter within 24 to 72 hours of being caught. Its products include domestic freshwater fish, seafood specialities and own brand products – METRO Chef and METRO Premium. Over the past three years it has sold 26% more fish while reducing its waste ratio to less than 3% – an outstanding achievement in terms of both finance and sustainability.

Congratulations to the winners!

The professional jury evaluating the applications:

We would like to thank the jury for their work!