“Sad record” – More and more people are shopping in Caritas stores – News

  • More and more people are shopping in Caritas shops.
  • Last year, the relief organization recorded record sales of low-priced everyday products.
  • Caritas sees the high inflation and the war refugees from Ukraine as the main reasons for this.

In 2022, the so-called Caritas markets counted 1.06 million sales, 33 percent more than in the previous year, according to a statement on Thursday. Sales increased by 22 percent.

Thomas Künzler, manager of the Caritas-Markt cooperative, speaks of a “sad record”. It is not the goal of the Caritas markets to increase sales, but to meet the increased demand. However, every additional franc raised helps to offer the products even more cheaply, he is quoted in the statement.

Who is allowed to shop in Caritas stores


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You need a shopping card to shop at the Caritas market. It is issued by public social welfare offices, church and private social institutions and the regional Caritas organizations.

Financially disadvantaged people who live at or below the subsistence level, who receive social security or supplementary benefits or who are in the process of debt restructuring are eligible to buy.

Below subsistence level despite income

Shopping in a regular supermarket is too expensive for many, Künzler continues. Noticeably more refugees, working poor and older people shopped in the Caritas markets. The working poor are people who, despite their work, do not have an income above the subsistence level.

Last year, the Caritas markets sold around 1,500 tons of fruit and vegetables (up 30 percent), around a million eggs (up 47 percent) and 150 tons of pasta (up 110 percent).

Over 400 collaborations

The shops can count on reliable cooperation for a constantly attractive offer, as stated in the communication. These included Denner, Migros, Nestlé, Lindt and around 400 other suppliers.

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