Striving to increase the range of its network, empik Group decided to open partnership stores in smaller towns with population between 30 000 and 100 000. This way we can fill the gap in the cultural offer of these towns and meet expectations of people living outside of big cities who also want to have an access to the newest books, records, films, multimedia and press.

In 2007 we opened the first store of this kind. Partnership stores (empik’s original business model) are already successfully operating in Łowicz, Oława, Legionowo, Bełchatów, Świdnica, Żywiec and Police. Soon we are going to open new partnership stores in Krosno, Swarzędz and Sieradz.

In partnership salons (floor area of about 250m2), our customers can find everything that is already empik’s hallmark – diverse offer of culture, knowledge and entertainment products (press, books, music, films, multimedia, stationery), easy to follow placement of products, friendly and competent service and very convenient opening hours adapted to modern, fast paced lifestyle.

In case of partnership stores empik’s goal is to create a versatile offer putting emphasis on bestsellers, cultural news and a possibility to make an individual order choosing from empik’s 2 178 000 titles. This new form of empik stores is based on cooperation between empik Group and a local partner – a so-called Agent who holds to such values as Passion and Quality, is up to date with the cultural market (with ability to adjust the offer to local needs and expectations) - passionate with experience in retail trade of cultural products and knowledge of customer service standards, responsible with management skills.

In the coming years, empik is planning to open more partnership stores and is still looking for partners and new locations (renting on favourable terms in a city centre – on a promenade, market square or main shopping streets, having floor area of about 250 – 500 m2).