RetailZoom: „Domestic chains continues to soar” – Budapest vs. Countryside

There is a significant difference in how customers conduct their shopping between Budapest stores and ones that fall outside of Budapest. Let’s look at how this materializes in the shops of Hungarian retail chains.

People spend nearly 600 Ft more per visit in domestic stores of Budapest than in the rest of Hungary. This comes from the 2 additional items placed in the baskets every time they enter the stores, but they seem to be more willing to spend more per item, too.

Another important factor is that basket size is increasing more rapidly in Budapest – the average amount of money spent per each visit. This shows that there is a difference in habits based on geographical locations. Sure – according to official statistics – in Budapest people have slightly higher wages and therefore more money to spend, but also, they tend to visit more chains then people do elsewhere. However, such a rise in domestic chain’s basket value could also hint to the fact that „convenience is king”. Meaning that with the decrease in use of all kinds of public transportations, and limited car usage people tend to visit stores that are the closest. As such domestic chains have been blooming as they have the numbers on their side. With their vast number of stores at their disposal, it is easier for them to be the most accessible for the mass.

One thing is for certain, the longer this outbreak and uncertainty in people’s mind last, the more likely is that some shoppers will remain loyal to domestic chains in both the short and long run.