05.12.2025 11:00
In the proposal presented by the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK) as part of the Retail Law studies, it was requested that there be at least 500 meters of distance between chain supermarkets. TESK Acting President Adlıhan Dere stated, "80-90-100 square meter shops are being opened by international supermarkets. Since they are chain stores, a parking lot requirement should be imposed. They have destroyed our small village grocery stores."
TESK Acting President Adlıhan Dere stated that one of the issues that small tradespeople and artisans suffer from the most is chain supermarkets.
Noting that these supermarkets open every 20 meters throughout the city, putting those who have been in business for years in a difficult position, Dere said, "Because they are supposed to sell only food and cleaning products, but as the name suggests, they sell thousands of products. Tires, towing ropes, chains, haberdashery, glassware, hardware. In that region, we have 415 professions. We have 1580 NACE codes. They have brought all the professions here to the brink of closure."
"THEY HAVE STARTED TO MANUFACTURE MANY THINGS THEMSELVES"
Stating that tradespeople and artisans stand alone at the helm of their businesses, earning money through their sweat and labor, Dere said, "There is a huge difference between our purchases and their purchases. They have started to manufacture many things themselves, they have started to do contract production. Of course, we have no chance to compete with them. In this way, they ruthlessly destroy us, kill us, and bring us to the brink of closure. Many of our tradespeople are closing their businesses. Legal regulations need to be put in place. We need to compete with them on equal terms."
"WHEN CHAIN SUPERMARKETS OPEN, A DISTANCE CONDITION SHOULD BE SET"
Expressing that a study is being conducted regarding the Law on the Regulation of Retail Trade, Dere announced that they have made some proposals as TESK. Dere said, "Especially when chain supermarkets open, a distance condition should be set. Stores of 80-90-100 square meters, international supermarkets are opening. The distance between them should not be less than 500 meters. Since they are national and chain supermarkets, a parking lot requirement should be imposed."
"THEY HAVE DESTROYED OUR VILLAGE GROCER, THEY HAVE RUINED IT"
A population structure needs to be established. Because today, if we look, they have spread to the highlands and villages, let alone neighborhoods and street markets. They have destroyed our small village grocer, they have ruined it. In other words, the population structure needs to come to the forefront here. If no regulation comes, our chance to compete with them is gradually decreasing, and we are facing great difficulties," he said.