Turkey’s Soaring Inflation Drives Demand for Discount Grocery Chain Yenir

A surge in inflation has reshaped consumer behavior in Turkey, prompting a significant shift toward low-cost grocery alternatives. Yenir, a discount supermarket chain operating primarily in urban centers, has emerged as a key beneficiary, reporting a 35% increase in foot traffic and a 28% rise in sales volume over the past quarter. The chain now operates 87 stores, up from 73 in July 2025, with new outlets launched in Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa—regions experiencing above-average inflation rates. The consumer pivot reflects broader economic pressures, as Turkey’s annual inflation rate reached 68.7% in December 2025, according to official data, eroding household purchasing power. Yenir’s pricing strategy—offering staple goods such as rice, pasta, and canned beans at margins 20% to 30% below mainstream retailers—has made it a go-to for cost-conscious shoppers. The chain’s average basket size has decreased by 12% year-on-year, indicating more frequent, smaller purchases driven by tighter budgets. Market analysts note that Yenir’s rapid expansion is outpacing the overall retail sector, which saw only a 4% growth in store openings during the same period. The chain’s success has prompted increased investment, with a recent $12 million funding round led by a local private equity fund, signaling confidence in its model. Competitors, including major chains like Migros and A101, have begun introducing their own budget lines in response. The trend underscores how macroeconomic instability can trigger structural shifts in retail. As inflation remains elevated and the lira continues to weaken, Yenir’s position as a cost-saving option is likely to strengthen, potentially reshaping the grocery landscape in Turkey over the next two years.