Billa self-employed: New momentum brings expansion in the region

Billa self-employed: New momentum brings expansion in the region

With his merchant model, Billa has ushered in an exciting phase that brings with it both challenges and successes. Launched in autumn 2022, the goal was to have a total of 100 merchants in operation by the end of 2026. However, the ambitious project has met with skepticism from the public, primarily due to the economic conditions and disappointing interim targets. Instead of the planned 15 markets by the end of this year, the number assumes only ten privatized locations. The increase of 20 stores planned for 2024 currently appears questionable.

Nonetheless, Billa has shown remarkable acceleration in his aspirations over the past 30 days. Six new merchants were introduced, significantly increasing the number for the current year. This means that the total number of Billa merchants is expected to increase to 23 by the end of the year. As part of the model's two-year anniversary, Billa also reiterated its goal of continuing to pursue the ambitious plan, but this will now be postponed by one year to the end of 2027.

Expansion to Upper Austria and Styria

Brian Beck, chairman of wholesale and merchant operations, runs the business and has made merchant selection his top priority. "We invest a lot of time in the selection process; quality is more important than speed," he said. In developing the merchant model, lessons are also drawn from experiences in Germany, where the concept has already been successfully established. After the expansion in Upper Austria, the first independently run Billa store will also open in Styria, with further steps to Carinthia planned for 2025. In the coming year, 22 new stores are to be privatized, increasing the total number of independently managed locations to 45.

Prospects for external applicants

Another important update concerns the opening of the model to external applicants, which, according to Brian Beck and Sales Director Hermann Weiß, will take place from 2026. Until this point, the allocation of sales clerk positions will primarily be reserved for internal employees, including experienced store managers and employees from the central area.

In addition to the new markets, there was also news about existing locations, such as the one on Breitenleerstraße in Vienna-Floridsdorf. This market has been extensively modernized in recent weeks. Under the leadership of Cenk Aydin, who took over the store a year ago, the sales area increased from 760 m² to 1,440 m² and the number of employees grew from 30 to 45. The new services in the store also include a service robot that assists customers. Aydin emphasizes that the merchant model offers him the freedom to fully implement his visions.

Overall, it shows that Billa is on the right track despite the initial difficulties with the merchant model. Recent developments promise an exciting future for the chain and its customers. Further details on this topic can be found in a detailed report on medianet.at be found.