Saransk, 21 December 2023 – X5 Group (“X5” or the “Company”, LSE and MOEX ticker: FIVE), a leading Russian food retailer, announces the opening of its Chizhik hard discounter stores in the Republic of Mordovia. On Thursday, the chain launched its first two stores1 in Saransk, with up to ten Chizhik stores expected to operate in the city in 2024.
Chizhik stores offer a small but sought-after selection of value-for-money products. The assortment features approximately 750 SKUs, including over 400 private label items that are unique to the chain.
A carefully selected product mix and continuous product quality assurance are among the key factors that set Chizhik apart. Only those products that have been top-rated by tasters hit the shelves. All suppliers are audited, with Chizhik verifying product formulation and label claims as well as compliance with Russian state standards and other requirements. Chizhik’s products are thoroughly tested by independent accredited laboratories. The chain also acts quickly on any customer feedback flagging potential quality issues, with ad-hoc supplier audits performed when non-conforming products are identified. In addition, Chizhik uses customer feedback to refine product formulations and ingredients or improve packaging, and offers customers a full refund with no receipt required if they are unhappy with the taste or quality of any product purchased at the chain.
Most SKUs offered by Chizhik are exclusive products that can rival major brands in terms of taste and quality while being more affordable. Chizhik also stands out for its unique Nado Uspet (“Catch the Price”) zone that highlights the best deals in household, kitchen, garden goods, children’s goods, and other categories – all in one place. This highly popular selection is rotated every week.