Iran is a country with a rich and diverse culinary culture that offers a variety of foods, ingredients, and flavors. However, finding the best places to buy food can be challenging, especially in a big and busy city like Tehran. That’s why many people prefer to shop at chain grocery stores that offer convenience, quality, and affordability.
Grocery chains are several retail stores operating under the same brand name and selling similar or identical products. They are usually located in strategic and accessible locations such as shopping malls, residential areas, or main streets. They also offer a wide variety of packaged food products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to dairy products, meats, breads, snacks, and canned goods. Some grocery chains also sell non-food items such as home appliances, clothing, and cosmetics.
In this article compiled by the Vira team, we introduce you to some of the largest and most popular grocery chain stores in Iran and provide you with information about their history, market share, and customer service. We also compare their features, pros, and cons so you can make an informed decision about where to shop for your groceries.
Shahrvand: An old chain store brand
Shahrvand is one of the oldest and most reliable chain stores in Iran. It was launched in 1993 by Tehran Municipality and since then it has expanded to more than 200 branches in Tehran and Alborz cities. Shahrvand is known for its efficient service and diverse product range that includes domestic and imported goods. The store also offers frequent discounts, sweepstakes, and loyalty programs for its customers.
One of the main advantages of Shahrvand is its 24-hour service, which is available in some of its branches, such as Argentina Square in Abbas Abad or Poonk. This means you can shop at any time of the day or night without worrying about store closing hours. Another advantage of Shahrvand is its high-quality products, which are carefully selected and checked by store personnel. Shajrvand also has its products, such as dairy, bakery, and snacks, which are usually cheaper and fresher than other brands.
However, Shahrvand has some disadvantages, including its high price, which is often higher than other chain grocery stores. This is partly due to the location of the store, which is usually in affluent and central areas where rents and taxes are higher. Another drawback of Shahrvand is that it is crowded, especially during rush hours and holidays when the store is full of shoppers, which can make the shopping experience stressful and unpleasant, as well as increase the risk of infection and contamination.
Refah: Champion of Iranian products
Refah is another chain of food stores with a long and successful history in Iran. It was established in 1995 by the Ministry of Cooperation, Labor, and Social Welfare and since then it has reached more than 500 branches across the country. Refah is famous for supporting and promoting Iranian products, which accounts for more than 80% of its products. Refah also cooperates with domestic manufacturers and farmers and helps them sell their products directly to customers without intermediaries.
One of the main advantages of Refah is its low prices, which are often lower than other chain grocery stores. Because Refah does not rely on imports that are subject to fluctuations and embargoes, and instead focuses on domestic production, which is more stable and cheaper. Another benefit of welfare is its social responsibility, which is manifested in charitable and environmental activities such as helping the needy, supporting the disabled, and reducing plastic waste.
However, Refah also has limitations, including its limited variety, which is mainly due to its preference for Iranian goods. This means that you may not find some of the products you want, especially if they are foreign or exotic. Another limitation of welfare is its poor quality, which is sometimes reported by customers who complain of expired, damaged, or counterfeit products. Refah also has issues with its customer service which is unprofessional at times.
Win_Market_chain_stores
Win Market chain stores of Refah are considered to be a reduced example of Refah hypermarkets. with the difference that the volume of items and variety of products in them has decreased. A product refining system has been considered for these stores. In such a way that the experts of the company classify their products by checking their quality and offer the most suitable products in these stores according to the needs of the customers. At present, nearly two thousand different products are offered in Refah Win Market stores. It is known that these products include most of the daily consumer goods of families. Among these goods, we can mention items such as basic food and beverage products, dairy products, protein products, detergent and cosmetic products, all kinds of drinks, etc.
The important point about Refah Wine Market stores is that almost all welfare services, discounts, seasonal festivals, etc. that are provided in Refah Hypermarket stores are also available in these stores. It can be said that buying from these small local stores is almost no different from buying from hypermarkets and main convenience stores.
Etka: The largest merchandise retail chain by number of stores
Etka is a chain food store that was established in 1965 by the Economic Holding of the Armed Forces of Iran. Etka has approximately 500 branches, which makes it the largest retail chain in terms of number of stores in Iran. Etka offers a variety of products from food and beverages to clothing and cosmetics at reasonable prices. Etka also offers special discounts and benefits for the families of the armed forces as well as the general public.
One of the main advantages of Etka is its availability, which covers all provinces and regions of Iran. Etka has branches in urban and rural areas as well as in border and free trade areas. It also has mobile stores that travel to remote and underprivileged areas and provide people with essential goods and services. Etka also has online stores that allow customers to order and pay for products online and receive them at home or the nearest branch.
Another advantage of relying on its quality is that its strict standards and regulations are guaranteed. Another advantage of relying on its quality is that its strict standards and regulations are guaranteed. It also has a quality control team that regularly monitors and evaluates the products. Etka also has a customer satisfaction team that handles customer complaints and suggestions and offers them refunds, replacements, or discounts.
However, Etka also has its drawbacks, including its limited variety, mainly due to its preference for domestic goods. Etka supports and promotes Iranian products, which make up more than 90% of its products. It also works with local producers and farmers and helps them sell their products directly to customers without intermediaries. However, this means that Etka may not offer some of the products that customers are looking for, especially if they are foreign or exotic.
Chain stores of Ofogh Kourosh: Local and convenient support
Ofogh Kourosh is a relatively new food chain store that has quickly gained popularity and fame in Iran. This company was established in 1390 by Kourosh Group, the leading holding company in Iran, and since then it has opened more than 2,500 branches in 25 provinces of the country, it is currently completely privately owned by Golrang Industrial Group. Ofogh Kourosh is renowned for its modern and innovative approach to retail that combines convenience, quality, and variety. The store also supports local businesses and communities, creating employment opportunities for thousands of people.
One of the main strengths of Ofogh Kourosh is its comfort, which is evident in its location, design, and facilities. This store is usually located in residential and commercial areas.
Areas that are easily accessible by public transportation or car. This store also has a spacious and attractive design that creates a pleasant and comfortable shopping environment. This store also provides you with various facilities such as online shopping, home delivery, and automatic payment.
One of the prominent features of Ofogh Kourosh is the high quality of its products, which is ensured by following strict standards and regulations. This store does not sell any product unless it has passed health and safety tests and has a valid certificate and warranty. This store also has a quality control team that regularly checks and evaluates the products. Every store of Afogh Kourosh is controlled at least twice a month by in-person inspection teams or invisible camera control, based on predetermined indicators. Also, this store has a customer satisfaction team that responds to customers’ requests and suggestions and gives them refunds, replacements, or discounts if necessary.
But Ofogh Kourosh also has weaknesses, which can be pointed out to its high competition, which is due to its similarity to other food chain stores such as Hyperstar and Janbo. This means that to attract and retain its customers, Afogh Kourosh has to continuously improve and innovate its products and services. Another weakness of Ofogh Kourosh is its inconsistency, which is sometimes seen in its price, inventory, and quality. This can lead to confusion and frustration for customers who may not find what they expect or need.
Hyperstar: The French giant in Iran
Hyperstar is a grocery store chain owned by French multinational retailer Carrefour, the world’s seventh largest retailer by revenue. Hyperstar entered the Iranian market in 2008 and opened its first branch in Tehran. Since then, it has expanded to 15 branches in 10 cities including Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Tabriz. Hyperstar is known for its large hypermarkets that offer a wide range of products, from food to electronics, at competitive prices.
One of the main advantages of Hyperstar is its diversity, which is unmatched by any food chain store in Iran. Hyperstar offers more than 40,000 products from domestic and international brands covering all food and non-food categories. Hyperstar also has a strong presence in the online market with its website and mobile app, which allows customers to search, order and pay for products online and receive them at home or in store.
Another advantage of Hyperstar is its professionalism, which is reflected in its management, staff, and facilities. Hyperstar follows international standards and the best practices of Carrefour, which guarantee the quality, safety, and efficiency of its operations. Hyperstar also employs more than 4,000 people who are trained and qualified to provide the best customer service. Hyperstar also has modern and well-equipped facilities such as refrigerators, freezers, and security systems that guarantee the freshness and protection of products.
However, Hyperstar also has challenges, including legal and cultural barriers, which limit its growth and expansion in Iran. Hyperstar faces restrictions and regulations from the Iranian authorities that affect its import, distribution, and pricing policies. Hyperstar is also facing resistance and criticism from some sections of Iranian society, who consider it a foreign entity that threatens domestic manufacturers and retailers. Hyperstar must also adapt to the preferences and habits of Iranian customers who may not be familiar with or interested in some of the products or services offered by Hyperstar.
HyperMe chain stores: Iranian Hyperstar with the taste of online shopping
HyperMe is a chain of food stores that operates online and with numerous physical branches that are mostly located in shopping centers. This store was launched in 2015 by the Union of Chain Stores of Iran, which is a non-governmental organization that represents more than 100 chain stores of food in the country. HyperMe is the first and only online food chain store in Iran, which aims to provide customers with a convenient, fast, and affordable purchase.
One of the main advantages of HyperMe is its accessibility, which allows customers to shop anytime and anywhere using their computer or mobile device. HyperMe has a user-friendly website and app that displays products in clear and attractive images with accurate descriptions and prices. It also has a smart search engine that helps customers find the products they want quickly and easily. HyperMe also has a customer service center that answers customers’ questions and solves problems 24 hours a day.
Another advantage of HyperMe is its delivery, which is fast, reliable, and free. Using its fleet of vehicles equipped with GPS and refrigeration systems, HyperMe delivers products to customers within 24 hours. HyperMe also offers free shipping for orders above 100,000 Tomans and charges a nominal fee for orders below this amount. It also allows customers to choose the time and place of delivery.
Canbo: Iran’s first chain store with permanent discount
In 2013, Canbo chain discount stores started its activities to supply high-quality food and consumables to consumers at reasonable prices.
Canbo stores were established as the first permanent discount stores in Iran and they always try to provide new services in this field by offering 1800 quality products.
In 2014, Canbo based his policy on increasing the number of stores in Iran to 150, and this goal was achieved at the end of the year. By prioritizing the concept of product quality and customer satisfaction and relying on the cost management policy, Canbo made rapid and continuous progress and in 2016, by opening 100 new stores in three different regions, the number of stores reached 250. It managed to increase this number to more than 1400 stores in 26 provinces and 180 cities in 2022. Canbo always continues its activities based on the trust of customers and suppliers to provide optimal services.
Benefits of buying from Canbo
- Like any other chain store, buying from stores that offer you different choices has the advantage that you can choose and buy a higher quality and cheaper product from among the available options.
- When some goods become scarce in the market, chain stores with more capacity can usually provide you with these goods, albeit in a limited manner.
- By buying from Canbo, you can buy some products that are exclusively distributed in this store at a more reasonable price than other brands. Most of these products are produced by constituent company Canbo and include cellulose and detergent products.
- During special sales, you can get products at a much lower price than other places. However, the variety of special sale products in this store is not much.
Disadvantages of buying from Canbo
- In most Canbo stores, to reduce costs, the personnel are jointly responsible for all store duties, and for this reason, the possibility of dealing with products whose price tags are not up-to-date or have an incorrect price, or going to the cash register and the cashier not being present, is a common issue.
- As it turns out, store employees receive commissions for selling specific products or for increasing sales in general. For this reason, you may encounter unpleasant advertisements from sellers.
- The variety of brands in Canbo is limited. If you visit this store within 3 months, probably the brands you see have rarely changed.
- The variety of discounts on goods is rather small. In other words, products that include discounts are often products that have a low real price and are sold with a high-profit margin. Such as tea, honey, drinks, etc.
Daily Market: Mihan Holding food chain stores
Sarzamin-e-Kharid chain stores company was established in Iran at the end of 2018 to operate in the retail industry and the field of chain stores with the Daily Market brand. The variety of products, reasonable prices, and easy access in one of the largest supply chains, in the form of discount chain stores, is the gift of the land of shopping for customers.
Considering the material and spiritual support of Mihan Industrial Group and also the presence of experienced and caring managers of this group in Sarzamin-e-Kharid chain stores company, according to this company’s claim, this company is supposed to be among the top three companies in this field in the country shortly.
According to the wide classification of retail formats, the goal of the company is to be present in the Discount Stores sector and to offer low-priced but high-quality products; So that the purchasing power of Iranian consumers increases and their shopping basket expands.
The prospect of entering the top three companies in Iran in the retail industry, the mission of providing high-quality, cost-effective, and always available products and services in the chain retail industry, focusing on household goods, to realize and providing the interests of all key stakeholders by relying on the ability and expertise of colleagues and committed and efficient forces in such a way that they recognize us as a value-creating, attractive, responsive and leading company.
Daily Market also depends on the cooperation and coordination of grocery chain stores that supply products to Daily Market. If grocery chains do not have adequate inventory or quality control, this can cause delays, errors, or shortages.
Currently, Daily Market has 1000 branches in 350 cities in Iran, and customers can buy their food both online and by visiting the physical branches of Daily Market.
V1 Market chain stores: environment lover
V1 Market is a food chain store that targets young and urban customers who are looking for modern and environmentally friendly shopping. This company was founded in 2016 by a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to create a modern and innovative retail concept in Iran. V1 Market has about 300 branches in Tehran and plans to expand to other cities with 1,500 soon. V1 Market is distinguished by its stylish and minimalist design that uses natural and recycled materials such as wood, metal, and paper.
One of the main characteristics of V1 Market is its sustainability, which is manifested in its products and practices. V1 Market offers organic and natural products sourced from local and ethical producers and certified by the Iran Organic Association. V1 Market also reduces its environmental impact by using biodegradable packaging, solar panels, and electric vehicles. V1 Market also encourages its customers to adopt a green lifestyle by offering incentives such as discounts, coupons, and gifts for bringing bags, bottles, or containers.
Another feature of V1 Market is its technology that is integrated into its operations and services. V1 Market uses artificial intelligence and big data to analyze the preferences and behaviors of its customers and provide them with personalized recommendations and offers. V1 Market also uses smart devices such as tablets, scanners, and cameras to facilitate the shopping process and improve the customer experience. It also has a social media presence that engages and interacts with its customers and keeps them updated with the latest news and events.
However, V1 also has challenges, such as its niche market, which limits its appeal and reach to a certain segment of the population. V1 Market caters to young and urban customers who are interested in trendy and eco-friendly products and services and can afford the premium prices that V1 Market sets. V1 Market may not attract or satisfy customers who seek greater variety, affordability, or convenience, and who may not share or appreciate the values and perspectives promoted by V1 Market.
Seven chain stores:
Seven chain stores are one of the pioneers of the retail industry in Iran, which was established in 2013 to develop and improve the performance of modern chain stores. This network launched its first local discount store in Tehran in 2013 with the investment of Golestan Economic Group and benefiting from domestic and foreign management experiences. In 2019, Haft Stores drew a new road map for itself by following the standards of the world and a case study of world-renowned chain stores, which includes changing the visual identity, redesigning the interior of the stores, providing various services to organizations, and people and setting up a home delivery service for supermarket products.
Currently, Haft stores operate in 22 provinces and 137 cities in Iran and have plans to increase the number of branches to 2,000 stores. Seven Stores tries to create satisfaction and trust in its customers by offering quality products at reasonable prices, weekly discounts, attractive prizes, and special services. Seven chain stores have tried to serve their dear compatriots as much as possible by launching a home delivery service for supermarket products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, food chain stores are a suitable and popular option for buying food in Iran, although it is interesting to know that these stores only comprise about 10-15% of the retail market. They offer a wide range of products, from food to non-food items, catering to different tastes and preferences. However, not all grocery chains are the same, and each has its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Therefore, it is very important to compare different grocery chain stores and choose the most suitable stores for your needs and expectations.