The process from the decision to opening the store lasted a month and a half, and the choice of location was well-thought-out and optimal. Natalia Horodovenko talks about the challenges, benefits and support she receives from the network, emphasizing the importance of continuous development and adaptation in the dynamic world of business.
Editor (R): I see that you look very young. How old are you?
Franchisee (F): – I am 25 years old.
This is a very brave decision you made at such a young age. When did you decide to open a store as part of the Żabka franchise?
F: – I decided to become a Żabka franchisee three years ago and I am very happy with this choice.
What made you make such a decision?
F: – After graduating, I worked in a senior position at an employment agency, where I managed a large team. This experience gave me self-confidence – I decided that I was ready to run my own business. I submitted an application on the Żabka website, and when I received a call back, I knew it was the right time to open a new professional chapter in my life. I wanted to work in my own business and on my own account, and Żabka gave me all the tools, knowledge and opportunities that I would not have had if I had opened my own store.
How long did it take from making the decision to opening the store?
F: – The whole process, including training, took about a month and a half. After this time, I could enter the fully stocked and equipped store and accept customers from the first day.
Did you have the opportunity to choose the location of the store?
F: – Yes, I was given several options to choose from and I chose the one that suited me best. I know that Żabka carefully analyzes the location of the store to make it optimal.
You mentioned that you previously worked at an employment agency. What experiences from that time are useful now?
F: – I managed employees in the agency, which also included working for large grocery stores. Personnel management at Żabka is similar – the key is to find the right people and teach them to work in accordance with standards.
What is more challenging – managing employees in an employment agency or in your own store?
F: – Each of these tasks has its own unique challenges. Managing employees at the staffing agency involved coordinating with multiple large grocery stores, which required flexibility
and the ability to deal with diverse customer needs. In turn, running a store such as Żabka requires greater responsibility for the overall functioning of the business – from recruiting and training employees, through inventory management, to customer service at the highest level. However, thanks to the experience gained in the employment agency, I learned how crucial it is to find the right people who are committed to work, but also maintain high standards, which is invaluable when running your own store. I want our clients to visit us often!
How does Żabka support you in running your store?
F: – Żabka offers a fully equipped and stocked store, which eliminates the need to invest in equipment and saves time, which in the case of your own business you have to devote, among others, to: to look for suppliers of products and premises – it is a huge advantage that Żabka does it for us. You just need to manage existing resources well. The network provides comprehensive support at every stage of running a store, including theoretical and practical training preparing to run this business and improving my and my employees' competences. Additionally, the network provides proven operational procedures, regular deliveries of goods and marketing support, which allows me to focus on team management and customer service. I also have constant access to current sales analyzes and management tools, which facilitates making business decisions and effectively running the store. An excellent tool is, for example, OptiPlan – a package of solutions that optimize the performance of tasks by franchisees and their staff. Its element is the Żabka Assistant – an application that, thanks to artificial intelligence, is individually tailored to each facility, including: providing staff with knowledge on, for example, the proper arrangement of goods or the need to replenish them.
What are the benefits of owning your own franchise business?
F: – Profits result not only from receiving a ready-made business model and support, but also from the possibility of continuous development. We regularly participate in training and programs prepared by Żabka, which allows us to constantly improve our qualifications. This is crucial because changing market conditions require us to constantly adapt and improve our management and customer service skills. Thanks to this, the Żabka franchise gives us tools for personal and professional development, which is invaluable in the dynamic world of business. Technical, logistical and marketing support is also invaluable – all of which makes running your own business much easier.
Żabka's advertisements often include information about high revenues. What does it look like in practice?
F: – It depends on many factors. Motivation, entrepreneur's involvement or store location. It is difficult to give specific numbers because revenues vary depending on where Żabka operates. In large cities, revenues are probably different than in small towns with only one point.
What are the biggest challenges when starting a store?
F: – At the beginning, the most important thing is to recruit employees and build a well-coordinated team, which must be properly trained to be able to effectively serve customers in accordance with Żabka's high standards.
How many hours a day did you spend in the store at the beginning and how many now?
F: – Initially, I spent a lot of time there because I wanted to personally supervise everything. Now I work about 4-6 hours a day, depending on my needs.
How do you rate the support offered by the network?
F: – Żabka provides us with comprehensive assistance, which I felt from the first day I decided to run this business. From the first training and conversations with trainers and other franchisees, through logistic and technical support, to new development programs for franchisees already operating in the network. Importantly, Żabka listens to its franchisees. We have our Council of Franchisees and Franchise-centric Guardians who make sure that the changes introduced are beneficial to us – the people who run this business on a daily basis. Some time ago, I also signed up for the Franchise Ambassadors project, which additionally helps me build my personal brand, but also gives me a chance to talk to candidate franchisees and show them how my store works. All interested people need to do is visit the website dedicated to the project, see a map with our business cards and arrange a phone call or meeting at the nearest store run by the Ambassador.
What are the biggest advantages of running a Żabki store?
F: – First of all, you can use a ready-made and tested business model, which gives greater certainty and security and minimizes the risk at the beginning of your business. The Żabka sign attracts customers and helps gain the trust of the local community.
How do you evaluate Żabka's idea to develop into gastronomy?
F: – Extending the offer to include the catering segment is a response to the changing preferences and expectations of customers who are increasingly looking for convenient solutions. The Żabka sign is highly recognizable and has the potential to attract customers to stores also for ready meals and hot snacks. Additionally, development in this direction may contribute to reaching the offer to people who have not shopped in Żabka stores before, which translates into higher revenues.
