Stability, trust, cooperation – retail players send message to the government

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 02. 11:26

Margin restrictions may jeopardize the stability of supplier relationships in the long term, while gaining the trust of customers and thinking together may be the key to sustainable development, it was said at the Portfolio RETAIL DAY 2025 conference. The sector’s players clearly stated: a predictable regulatory environment and dialogue are needed, not new burdens – reports the Agrarszektor about the event.

Partnership instead of excessive restrictions

According to Eszter Kazatsay, Head of Communications at PENNY Hungary, maintaining the current margin stop measures carries risks. “Maintaining supplier relationships is essential, but they can be damaged if the restrictions remain in force for too long,” she said. According to the Head of Communications, thinking together is essential for jointly shaping the future of the market, especially at a time when the sector has already reached the current technological limits of efficiency. At the same time, she highlighted that artificial intelligence still has serious reserves in optimizing logistics.

OKSZ urges dialogue

Tamás Kozák, President of the National Trade Association, confirmed at the conference that the stable operation of the market requires cooperation, predictability and trust. OKSZ therefore initiated a dialogue with decision-makers, the aim of which is to ensure that the regulation serves the interests of customers as well as strengthening the economy. According to the organization, support and long-term development programs are needed instead of new administrative or economic burdens on the sector.

Customers as economic engines

Ottó Burger, CEO of CBA Kereskedelmi Kft., drew attention to the specific features of franchise-based operations. According to him, the success of the system depends on how well they can teach entrepreneurs to “fish” – that is, to make independent decisions, adapt and think about developments. “During the drastic increase in energy prices, we developed several energy efficiency packages for each store to help our partners survive,” he said.

According to the CBA leader, the role of older customers is also crucial in stimulating the economy. This generation has been socialized at a different price level, so they are more sensitive to price changes, but they can also be more loyal if the quality of the offer and service is appropriate.