According to the INFOline database “200 Largest Retail Chains of Kazakhstan. 2025”, the number of general and specialized grocery stores increased by 13% in 2024, exceeding 70 thousand outlets.
That is, in numerical terms, there is an increase of 9.1 thousand outlets (from 60.9 thousand at the end of 2023).
This is a good indicator – it is higher than in 2023, when the growth in the number of stores was about 10% year-on-year. At the same time, about 2 thousand outlets out of 70 thousand are FMCG chain stores that operate in a modern self-service format, and the rest are stores of entrepreneurs.
This ratio of the number of chain stores to the number of retail outlets of entrepreneurs is explained by the fact that, as a rule, chain stores take volume, develop large formats (supermarkets or hypermarkets) and serve a large number of consumers, while convenience stores have a smaller area and lower turnover.
Trade growth and warehouse infrastructure deficit
INFOLine’s forecast for 2025 remains positive with the potential for further growth and increased consumption. However, the high level of household debt and the risks of instability in income dynamics may affect the development of the market.
According to IBC Global, retail is also held back by the factor of limited warehouse infrastructure, which is especially important for players developing a civilized format of chain retail.