Convenience stores have been around for many years, becoming a staple in the lives of countless people. Whether you come from a small town or large city, the likelihood is there will be a local convenience store close to home.

These stores have become a popular choice for people who are looking for a quick and easy solution to their shopping needs, providing consumers with an array of items and services, to make life that little bit more convenient. 

Since the pandemic, society has become acutely aware of the importance of convenience stores in local communities, because where large scale supermarkets couldn’t deliver, convenience stores could and were just around the corner. One such example is the Żabka Group, the convenience ecosystem created twenty-five years ago, which is now undoubtedly one of the most recognisable brands in Poland.

With over 9400 stores in Poland, Żabka is able to accompany its customers throughout the day across physical and digital channels, saving consumers time and offering the opportunity to do everything from convenient grocery shopping, sending a package to grabbing a meal or the coffee on the go. 

CEO of Żabka Group, Tomasz Suchański says, “We are part of society. We have responsibilities towards our employees, our suppliers, our franchisees, but also our neighbours.”

As an industry leader, Żabka has been able to successfully create a convenience ecosystem, due to the fundamental transformation that focused on three key areas. Starting with the evolution of modern convenience, Żabka was able to become closer to its customers, by setting ambitious expansion goals to new locations. By effectively responding to the needs of its customers through innovative and tailored product offerings, the Żabka brand is now widely recognised by 93% of Poles.

The digital evolution created value by seeking and developing innovative services, new sales channels and technological tools of the future, such as artificial intelligence. Żabka continues to improve its working tools and provide solutions that support store management processes, relying on technology for effective communication within the company and with customers. 

In 2021, Żabka adopted a comprehensive Responsibility (ESG) Strategy https://zabkagroup.com/esg/, demonstrating the company’s commitment towards creating a greener and more sustainable living for everyone, whilst simultaneously reducing its environmental footprint. By integrating this with the Group’s business strategy, it was able to clearly define objectives, set action plans, indicating the direction Żabka intends to be heading. By inviting various stakeholder groups in delivery of its ESG commitments, Żabka has proved that the transformative change is fuelled by collaboration and engagement, only then creating added financial and non-financial value.

EVP of Żabka Group and Chief Commercial Officer, Anna Grabowska, says, “We have found ourselves among the top 1% of companies worldwide that have gone through the EcoVadis rating process. They validate companies against environment, human and labour rights, ethics, sustainability and decarbonisation.”

After the outbreak of the Ukraine war, Żabka provided immediate humanitarian aid in support, offering housing to nearly 350 people alongside company employees volunteering their time towards the cause. Żabka transferred over 525 tons of food products to Ukraine, as well as delivering food and hygiene products to refugees and arranging transport from the border. These are just a fraction of activities undertaken in response to this crisis.