Polish Retail Chain Duży Ben Shifts to Franchise Model, Eyes Sunday Openings

Polish retail chain Duży Ben is undergoing its most significant transformation to date, moving from an agency model to a franchise system. This strategic pivot, spearheaded by Eurocash, is designed to accelerate the brand's expansion and crucially, allow its stores to operate on Sundays and holidays.

The first Duży Ben store operating under the new franchise model has already opened in Plewiska, near Poznań. This marks the beginning of a transition expected to encompass hundreds of Duży Ben stores across Poland by the end of 2027. All newly established outlets will exclusively function as franchises, a move Eurocash believes will foster quicker market responsiveness through collaboration with local entrepreneurs.

Eurocash plans to manage this transformation in phases, initially focusing on the Mazowieckie, Wielkopolskie, Dolnośląskie, and Zachodniopomorskie voivodeships, with Warsaw, Poznań, Wrocław, and Szczecin identified as key markets. To facilitate this shift, Eurocash will cover the costs associated with store renovations, including new storefronts, interior redesigns, and product displays, aiming to ease the onboarding process for franchisees.

A primary benefit of this franchise model is the ability for stores to open on days previously restricted by Poland's strict Sunday trading laws. The current agency model did not offer this flexibility. Eurocash anticipates that this new system will not only increase the number of Duży Ben stores but also enhance their accessibility, driving faster development in the coming years.