OREANDA-NEWS. On 06 June 2008 wDIXY Group, one of the leading Russian companies on the food and FMCG retail markets, announced that the Group has received the ‘DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR’ Award for its new VMart stores concept within the framework of the 7th Golden Networks – 2008 national competition.

The VMart store concept was recognized as the most successful chain store format in 2007. VMart is a network of on-the-go convenience stores and one of four store formats under management at OAO DIXY Group. DIXY opened its first VMart store in St. Petersburg in the beginning of 2007.

VMart stores provide a maximum range of high-quality goods and services within a relatively small floor space (80-100 sq.m.). The stores’ product range numbers an estimated 1400 SKUs. In addition, VMart stores have fast food and Internet areas.

The new VMart on-the-go convenience store concept is designed to replace unorganized trade in major cities with high consumer traffic.

As of May 31, 2008, OAO DIXY Group operates six VMart stores in St. Petersburg. The Group plans to open another 10 VMart stores in 2008.

“We are glad that the professional community has recognized our new brainchild, the VMart concept, as a significant phenomenon on the national retail market,” said Oksana Grishina, director of VMart stores. “This is a really new, interesting and unprecedented sales concept for Russia, while several similar chains operate successfully in the West. The VMart format enables retailer to capitalize on the rising incomes of the urban population through value-added services.”