Metro has announced a shift in its access policy for shopping centers, stating that as of March 16, entry is open to all customers without the need for a guest card. This update was communicated by the company’s press service and reported by RIA News.
The company noted that starting March 16, doors are open to a broader audience, allowing shoppers to enter without presenting a guest card. In addition, Metro highlighted that over 40,000 products from its range are now more widely accessible to a larger customer base, reinforcing the retailers’ commitment to expanding consumer access and choice.
Metro’s press service added that the opening period will feature an expanded assortment of goods, signaling a deliberate move to enhance product availability for customers. The private label lineup has also been broadened, aligning with Metro’s strategy to diversify offerings and provide additional options for shoppers. Importantly, the guest card remains in use for earning cashback bonuses on new purchases, continuing to reward loyalty while simplifying the entry process.
Johannes Tolay, the CEO of Metro Russia, commented on the initiative, emphasizing the aim to challenge the longstanding perception that Metro stores are difficult to reach or inaccessible. The goal is to make shopping more straightforward and welcoming for a wider segment of consumers, breaking down barriers that may have existed before the change in policy.
Natalya Nazarova, director of the ANO Institute for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, spoke toward the end of the year about the Russian food market. She noted that, despite the economic challenges of the previous three years, the market demonstrated notable stability. With only rare exceptions, there was no significant shortage of food during periods of high demand, and both the food industry and retail sectors adapted quickly to evolving economic conditions. This perspective underscores the resilience of the sector as retailers recalibrate operations and consumer expectations in response to shifts in policy and market dynamics.