„We are working on the establishment of a network „Shop for the People“ EAD, announced the Minister of Agriculture and Food Dr. Georgi Tahov during a blitz control in the relevant Committee on Agriculture, Food and Forestry in the National Assembly.
He indicated that the finalization of the founding documents is underway – statute, of the company, which contains the name, address and subject of activity of the public enterprise, as well as drafts of a Decree and Decision of the Council of Ministers.
The state chain of stores will offer Bulgarian goods from the small consumer basket - as well as imported products, but only where there is a deficit of Bulgarian and with a minimal markup. The pilot network is planned to be launched in the Plovdiv region.
The creation of the sole shareholder (EAD) with 100% of the capital owned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food was assigned by the State Budget Act. The goal is to build a store network with Bulgarian goods and essential products with a minimal markup.
„The sale of basic food and essential goods at fair prices will be carried out in partnership with the commercial establishments of the cooperative organizations of the Central Cooperative Union (CCU). They have a network throughout the country - stationary and mobile stores. Our goal is to close the "product-consumer" cycle of the most necessary goods, Dr. Tahov pointed out.
“Our aspiration is to show that socially-oriented trade is possible with care for small settlements and the vulnerable segments of our society“, he emphasized.
Dr. Tahov added that the promotion of cooperation in short supply chains will be finalized through the partnership with such stores.
“A list of goods in the “Shop for People“ is currently being prepared, said Dr. Tahov. According to him, the Agreement with the Central Chamber of Commerce will be prepared in such a way as to reach the maximum number of target consumer groups for this type of socially-oriented trade.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food will announce a competition for the design of a logo for the stores, and students from the Art High School - Sofia will be invited to participate.