Russian discounter Mere has opened its first British store in Preston, in Northern England. Next month, the chain plans to expand to Belgium as well.
Low prices, limited offer
Last Saturday, Britons could experience the much-discussed Russian retailer first-hand for the first time. The chain claims to be about 30 % cheaper compared to competitors Lidl and Aldi. The Daily Express did some research and found out that, indeed, prices are much lower than at Aldi’s: depending on the product, 20 to even 50 %.
The design of the stores is very basic, with all products laid out on pallets. The offer consists of a range of essential products, including A-brand products such as Pampers, Nescafé and Lenor. However, consumers will not be able to do their weekly shopping there: the store does not sell fresh fruit or vegetables, nor does it offer bread, milk or eggs.
The chain’s British ambitions do not stop in Preston: it also has plans for stores in Castleford (near Leeds, also Northern England), Mold (North Wales) and Caldicot (South Wales). In a later phase, a whole series of low-income areas, such as the areas around Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow, are earmarked as “attractive”.
Mere also has plans in Belgium, more specifically in Opwijk (near Brussels). Normally, the first store would open at the beginning of September, but whether Mere will meet this deadline is questionable.
