Żabka

Żabka is a chain of small convenience grocery stores founded in Poland in 1998. Its history began with experimental stores in Poznań and Swarzędz, and it soon grew to over 1,700 outlets across the country. Key figures in its development were Mariusz Świtalski and Jacek Roszyk. In 2007, Żabka was sold to a Czech investor and subsequently acquired several local retail chains, contributing to its expansion. In 2011, the private equity fund Mid Europa Partners acquired 100% of the company's shares. The chain introduced numerous innovations, such as the "Store of Tomorrow" concept, in response to customer needs and market trends. In 2018, Żabka celebrated the opening of its 5,300th store, and in December 2022, it opened its 9,001st outlet in a driver-friendly format located near a highway. Żabka is also known for its controversial business model, which critics argue places financial burdens on franchisees. Reports have emerged about difficulties faced by store operators, sometimes with tragic outcomes. Despite this, by obtaining postal service status for its locations, Żabka circumvented Sunday trading bans, sparking outrage among some trade unions. The chain has received numerous awards for innovation and service quality, and its growth has been closely followed by media and industry experts. Today, Żabka operates over 10,000 stores, employing more than 8,600 franchisees, with its headquarters based in Poznań and supported by a network of logistics centers across Poland. As of 2023, Żabka remains a key player in the retail sector, combining modern technological solutions with the needs of contemporary consumers.