Here is a concise summary of the provided text:
**Subject:** Svetofor Stores (also known as "Traffic Light" stores)
**Key Points:**
1. **Origin**: First store opened in Krasnoyarsk, Russia in 2009; now present in Kazakhstan, Belarus, Romania, Germany, and other European countries.
2. **Business Model**: Hard discounter, selling at prices close to wholesale, achieved by:
* Direct cooperation with manufacturers (no intermediaries)
* No advertising or promotional expenses
* Minimal store decor and display
* Limited product assortment (~1000 items, mostly economy-class goods)
3. **Owners**: The Schneider family, experienced entrepreneurs from Krasnoyarsk.
4. **Price Advantage**: 10-20% lower prices compared to regular supermarkets, with some items priced 50% lower.
5. **Trade-Offs**:
* Limited customer service (no sales consultants)
* Basic store layout (goods on pallets, minimal display)
* Mostly lesser-known manufacturers
**Target Audience**: Price-sensitive customers willing to compromise on service and store experience for significant savings.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:
1. **First Svetofor stores opened**: Summer 2009 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
2. **Expansion**: Svetofor stores now exist in Kazakhstan, Belarus, Romania, and Germany.
3. **International branding**: In European countries, the chain operates under the name "The World".
4. **Low-price impact**: A store in Germany had to close temporarily due to overwhelming demand after its opening.
5. **Founders/Owners**: The Schneider family, who were already experienced in business.
6. **Previous business venture**: The Schneider brothers created Lenkom in the early 90s, focusing on beer and low-alcohol drink distribution.
7. **Business model shift**: During crisis times, they transitioned to a hard discounter concept, leading to the creation of Svetofor.
8. **Definition of hard discounter**: A store type selling at prices close to wholesale, minimizing excess costs.
9. **Store characteristics**:
* Approximate area: 800-1200 square meters.
* Assortment: Up to 1000 items of popular goods (food and non-food).
* Maximum turnover: 80% of daily consumption goods.
10. **Pricing strategy**:
* No entry fees, retro bonuses, or similar rewards that increase product prices.
* Goods are 20-30% cheaper than competitors, including delivery costs.
11. **Supply chain**:
* Direct cooperation with manufacturers, eliminating intermediaries and additional markups.
* Only economy-class goods are purchased; premium and perishable goods are not considered.
12. **Store operations**:
* Minimalistic approach to save costs (e.g., no elaborate displays, simple packaging).
* Limited personnel (only movers and cashiers, no sales consultants).
* Products requiring low temperatures are stored in separate rooms.
13. **Quality and service**:
* Maintains acceptable quality while reducing service aspects not crucial for thrift-conscious buyers.