Opening a grocery store in Bulgaria represents not only an ambitious business plan, but also a commitment to strict compliance with numerous legal and administrative requirements. Often, customers turn to us with questions such as “How much money is needed to open a grocery store?”, “What are the basic documents for opening a retail outlet?”, or “What are the specific requirements for height and equipment in a grocery store?” These questions clearly illustrate the challenges involved in understanding and meeting regulatory conditions.
In addition, establishments in the field of food trade must meet certain hygienic and sanitary requirements, which are key to a successful launch. Our customers are also often interested in topics such as “How to develop an effective business plan for a store?” or “What is worn at the opening of a store as a gesture of good wishes?” From a practical point of view, “The daily turnover of a grocery store” and “How best to arrange the goods in our store to attract more customers are also discussed?”
These questions highlight how important it is to properly plan and execute the steps to open a store. In this article we will explain the main aspects that must be taken into account when starting this type of business, providing information on the requirements, necessary documents and best practices to ensure a successful start. In addition, Elan Consulting provides assistance on the territory of Sofia, Burgas, Pomorie, Karnobat, Sunny Beach, Aytos, Nessebar, Sozopol, Primorsko and the whole of Bulgaria to facilitate the process for its clients.
Creating a business plan for a grocery or convenience store is a key step for the successful launch and development of this type of activity. A business plan is a founding document that outlines the goals, strategies and financial projections of a business, while serving as a tool to attract investment and provide credit. It must be clear, objective and supported by concrete data to reflect real development prospects. Here are the main elements and guidelines for drawing up such a plan.
Start with a descriptive part that includes information about the type of store — whether it will specialize in groceries, or will offer mixed products combining food and non-food items. This part should also contain data on the target market, determining who your main customers will be - for example, households, tourists or specific groups such as young families. Include location analysis, which is a decisive factor for success, looking at the potential of the area where the store will be located, the competition and the customer flow.
Next comes the financial part, which must be detailed and realistic. Include estimated costs for the opening of the store, taking into account the costs of registering a company, purchasing equipment, commodity stocks and marketing campaigns. Also calculate operating expenses, such as rents, salaries, insurance, and utilities. Make a forecast of expected earnings, basing calculations on the average daily turnover and profit margins for different types of goods. This part should also include a break-even point, which indicates when the business will start to generate profit.
Of great importance is also the marketing strategy, which should be an integral part of the business plan. It should contain ways to attract customers, such as promotions, loyalty programs, advertising on social networks or partnerships with local suppliers. Describe how you plan to differentiate yourself from the competition — whether through better service, lower prices, a unique range or customer amenities. If you offer products, such as environmentally friendly foods or specific goods for certain groups of customers, this should also be emphasized.
The next key component is the organizational structure. Include a description of the team and required personnel, specifying the roles and responsibilities of each member. For example, a manager may be responsible for logistics and relationships with suppliers, while sellers will provide customer service and the arrangement of goods. Also include a staff training plan, especially for working with food products, which is regulated by law.
Be sure to include a section on legal and regulatory requirements as well. Describe how hygiene standards, labelling requirements and food safety regulations will be complied with. If the store will offer combined products, such as food and non-food items, specify how the separation of these categories will be organized in order to avoid contamination and meet legal requirements.
A key part of a business plan is risk analysis. You need to identify potential threats to the business, such as an economic downturn, regulatory changes, seasonality in sales, or strong competition. Suggest strategies to minimize these risks, for example by building a diverse assortment or introducing new services, such as home delivery.
The conclusion of the business plan should summarize the main goals and strategies of the store, as well as the potential benefits for investors or creditors. A well-structured and professionally drawn up business plan will help you not only to start your activity with confidence, but also to develop it sustainably in the long term.
The requirements for opening a grocery store or convenience store in Bulgaria are strictly regulated by various regulatory acts, including the Food Act, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency Act (BFDA), the Consumer Protection Act and related by-laws. These requirements relate to the site, hygiene conditions, food safety systems and marketing conditions. To provide clarity, we will explain the terms in detail by quoting the law and providing definitions from the Supplementary Provisions (DR).
According to Art. 23, para. 1 of the Food Act, commercial activities related to the production, processing and/or distribution of food may only be started after registration or approval of the establishment. The competent authority is the Director of the Regional Directorate for Food Safety. Registration is also mandatory for movable, temporary or open objects, as well as for means of transport used for the transportation of food.
The additional provisions of the Food Act define key terms:
According to Art. 4 and Art. 7 of the Food Act, food products must be safe and do not pose a risk to human health. To do this, trading facilities must meet the following conditions:
According to Art. 13 of the Food Act, at least one person must work in a food business who has:
At the same time, Art. 12requires all persons employed in food production and distribution establishments to undergo preliminary and periodic medical examinations to ensure their suitability for food handling.
Food safety is a fundamental principle regulated in the Art. 8 of the Food Act. Every business operator is required to implement food safety management systems based on HACCP principles. These systems include:
In addition, foods must be labeled clearly and accurately according to the requirements of Art. 17 and Art. 18which regulate the provision of information to consumers. Labels must contain information on the composition, origin and shelf life.
In mixed stores that offer both food and non-food items, Art. 9 of the Food Actrequires that goods be distributed in such a way as to prevent food contamination. This includes separate areas for storage and display of non-food products.
The control of compliance with these requirements shall be carried out by the BBA in accordance with Art. 3 of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency Act. BABH agents have the power to carry out inspections, impose sanctions and demand corrective action in the event of violations.
The procedure for opening a grocery store in Bulgaria requires compliance with a strict sequence of steps, each of which is associated with the submission of specific documents, in accordance with the requirements of the Bulgarian legislation. From the registration of the company to the start of the store's activities, each phase is regulated in detail by regulatory acts, ensuring compliance with legal, sanitary and hygienic and administrative standards. This is what the process looks like in detail:
The first step is the registration of a trading company or sole proprietor (ET), depending on the preferences of the owner. According to Art. 2 of the Commercial Law, any person wishing to carry on business must be registered in the Commercial Register.
The procedure includes:
After submitting the documents to the Commercial Register, the procedure is completed within a few working days, after which the company receives a unique identification code (EIC).
After the registration of the company, the owner must choose a suitable premises for the grocery store. This premises must meet the location and infrastructure requirements specified in Spatial Planning Act (ZUT), and have commercial status.
The documents that are required to prove the right of use include:
Registration of the object in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is mandatory, according to Art. 23 of the Food Act. This is a critical step, as the facility cannot begin operations without approval from the agency. The procedure includes:
The district directorate of the BACH carries out an on-site inspection and, in accordance with the requirements, issues a certificate of registration of the site.
Any commercial company that wants to carry out retail sales must obtain a license to carry out commercial activities from the respective municipality. According to Art. 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, this authorisation shall be issued upon submission of the following documents:
Grocery store establishments must comply with the hygiene standards specified in Art. 7 of the Food Act, and provide a safe environment for the storage and sale of food. This includes:
Personnel who work in the grocery store must be registered according to the requirements of Labor Codeand to undergo mandatory medical examinations. According to Art. 12 of the Food Act, medical examinations should be carried out periodically and certify that employees are fit to work with food.
Business operators are obliged to implement a food safety system based on HACCP principles. This system includes:
This process is key to ensuring the safety of the products offered and is verified in inspections by the FDA.
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After the registration of the object and the beginning of the activity, it is essential that the business operator maintains neat documentation. According to Art. 9 of the Food Act, this includes:
In addition, the business operator must maintain records certifying compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements and ensure the accessibility of these documents for checks by the competent authorities.
According to Art. 28 of the Law on the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BAFSA), establishments for the production and sale of food are subject to regular inspections. These inspections shall cover:
If discrepancies are found, the IBA may impose sanctions or require corrective action to be taken within a specified period of time.
At the opening of the store, promotions and special events are often organized, which must meet certain regulatory requirements. According to Art. 17 and Art. 18 of the Food Act, the labels of all products must be accurate, complete and provided in Bulgarian language. Advertisements must comply with legal requirements and not mislead consumers.
In promotional campaigns, it is important to comply with the conditions of discounts required by Consumer Protection Act, clearly announcing the old and new prices, as well as the period of the promotion.
Mixed stores that sell both food and non-food products must meet additional requirements. According to Art. 9 of the Food Act, non-food items should be clearly separated from food items to prevent contamination. This may include:
According to the requirements of Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, if the turnover of the store exceeds BGN 100,000 for the last 12 months, the company must register under the VAT (From 01.01.2025 the threshold for registration is BGN 166,000). Accounting is mandatory and is carried out in accordance with the provisions of The Accounting Act.
Opening a store for baby goods requires strict compliance with regulatory requirements that ensure the safety and quality of the products offered, as well as the compliance of the object with the requirements of legislation. Registration of a company is the first mandatory stage, according to Art. 2 of the Commercial Law, and the procedure includes entry in the Commercial Register, submission of constituent documents and selection of an appropriate code of economic activity (KID), which best describes the activity related to the sale of baby goods. After the registration of the company, it is necessary that the object comply with the requirements of the Law on Spatial Planning, including the presence of the relevant status for commercial activity and the provision of access for customers with small children.
It is especially important that goods for babies and young children meet the safety requirements regulated in the Consumer Protection Act. Each product must be labeled in Bulgarian and contain information about the composition, purpose and age group for which it is suitable. Products, such as children's toys, furniture and textiles, must have certificates of compliance with European and national standards, such as CE marking. At the same time, toys are subject to the requirements of the Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, which has been transposed into Bulgarian legislation. Personal care and hygiene products should be stored under appropriate conditions that prevent the risk of deterioration or contamination.
The store itself should be organized in a way that facilitates customers and ensures safety. The aisles should be wide enough to move with strollers, and the goods should be arranged in categories to facilitate selection. For furniture and other products that require installation or specific use, there must be detailed instructions in Bulgarian, according to Art. 15 of the Consumer Protection Act. Each area in the store must meet hygiene and safety requirements, providing a clear visual and physical boundary between different types of goods.
The products offered in the store must be accompanied by the relevant documentation of origin and quality, such as declarations of conformity and safety certificates. Advertising of baby goods is subject to special regulation, which requires advertisements to be accurate and not to mislead consumers. If foods for babies and young children are offered in the store, their labels and promotions must comply with the requirements of the Food Law, including a clear indication of the composition and conditions of use.
Control over the activities of baby goods stores is carried out by the Consumer Protection Commission and other competent authorities. Violations of regulatory requirements may result in penalties, including fines or suspension of activity. Stores are required to ensure full transparency in product offerings and regularly update their documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Effective management of such a store requires not only knowledge of the regulatory framework, but also the strict implementation of good practices that protect the interests of both consumers and the trader.
Preparing for the opening of a store and the arrangement of goods require a comprehensive approach that combines planning, compliance with regulatory requirements and strategic organization of space. Each step of the process is important for creating an effective retail outlet that will not only attract customers, but also meet all legal standards.
Start by choosing a room that is strategically located relative to the target audience and offers convenient access for both customers and supplies. The premises must comply with the requirements of the Land Planning Act, including an approved purpose for commercial activity and compliance with construction and hygiene standards. It is important to provide sufficient areas for the storage of goods, spaces for customer flow and, if necessary, places for checkout areas or specific services such as trial rooms for clothing stores.
The organization of the internal space of the store plays a key role in attracting customers and facilitating their shopping. The arrangement of goods must be strategically thought out to encourage purchases. In a grocery store, for example, basic everyday products, such as bread and milk, are often placed in the back of the store, causing customers to go through other sections and look at additional products. For a mixed store, it is important to have a clear division between food and non-food goods in order to avoid contamination and facilitate the orientation of customers, as indicated in article 9 of the Food Law.
The visual appeal of the store is another key aspect. Shelves should be arranged so that the products with the highest profit margin are at eye level of customers, while less popular items can be located on lower or upper shelves. For clothing stores or specialty goods, the arrangement should emphasize the creation of a pleasant atmosphere, using aesthetic elements, well-arranged showcases and ample space to browse and try on.
Compliance with legal requirements is an inevitable part of the preparation. For grocery stores, it is necessary to implement a food safety management system based on HACCP principles. This includes identifying critical control points, such as refrigerated storage areas, and hygiene monitoring procedures. In addition, all goods must be properly labeled, and the labels contain information on the composition, origin and shelf life, according to Art. 17 of the Food Law.
Opening the store also requires organizational preparation. Opening events often include promotions or special campaigns that not only attract customers, but also create a positive first impression. These campaigns must comply with the Consumer Protection Act to avoid misleading claims or advertisements.
It is also key to anticipate the work of the staff. All employees must undergo mandatory medical examinations and training to work with goods and customers. In mixed stores, training should cover both nutritional requirements and the specifics of non-food items.
Opening a grocery store in Bulgaria requires careful budget planning, as costs vary greatly depending on the size of the store, location, equipment and type of goods offered. The total budget can be divided into several main categories: registration costs and administrative fees, rent and infrastructure, equipment, initial commodity stocks and marketing.
Initially, costs for registering a company and obtaining permits should be foreseen. Registration of a company in the Commercial Register costs between 100 and 300 BGN depending on the form of the company and whether an electronic service is used. Additional administrative fees, such as registration of the site with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BAFSA), can cost around BGN 100-300, including preparation of documentation for the implementation of a food safety system (HACCS).
The rent of the room is one of the main expenses and varies greatly depending on the location. In large cities such as Sofia or Plovdiv, the monthly rent for a room with an area of 50-100 sq.m can be between 1000 and 3000 BGN. In smaller cities or settlements, the rental costs can be significantly lower — about 500-1000 BGN. If the room requires renovation or adaptation to the requirements of a grocery store, these costs can add another 2000-5000 leva or more depending on the volume of work.
One of the most significant cost categories is equipment. For a grocery store, refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cash registers, POS systems, lighting and possibly scales for goods per kilogram are needed. The total cost of equipment can vary between 5,000 and 15,000 BGN depending on the size of the store and the quality of the equipment. In addition, the cost of installation and maintenance of equipment must be taken into account.
Initial stocks of goods also represent a significant part of the budget. Depending on the product range, the required amount for charging can vary from BGN 10,000 to BGN 30,000 or more. Stores that offer a wide variety of food products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products, often require a larger initial budget for goods.
Marketing and store opening also involve costs. Advertising campaigns, promotional materials and special events for the opening can cost between 1000 and 5000 leva. Investing in an online presence, such as a website or advertising on social networks, is also advisable to attract customers.
In addition to these basic costs, operating expenses should also be foreseen for the first few months. This includes staff salaries, utilities such as electricity and water, taxes and insurance. The total amount for these costs can reach BGN 5000-10,000 per month depending on the size of the store and the number of employees.
Choosing the right accountant or accounting firm for your grocery or convenience store is key to the success of your business. Accounting in this sector requires specific expertise — VAT management, processing of multiple invoices, inventory monitoring and accurate turnover reporting. A good accounting firm should provide you with not only accurate documentation, but also a clear financial picture and practical advice on cost optimization and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Elan Consulting is your reliable partner in this regard. We understand the specific needs of stores like yours and offer customized accounting services, including company registration, financial reporting, and tax consulting. Our team works with modern automation technologies, provides full transparency and is always available for your questions. With us, you will focus on the development of your business, while we take care of its financial stability and compliance with the law.
