Today, we bring you a special episode from our interview series with experts from companies contributing to a more transparent labor market in Romania. This time, we spoke with Marius Duval, Project Development Director at Profi Partners, where we uncovered the secret ingredients behind the success of the "Partner Store" project.

Through this program, Profi offers a collaboration model where stores are operated by local entrepreneurs under a partnership system, benefiting from logistical support, know-how, and supply, while they manage the daily operations of the store.

This is exactly the kind of initiative Romania needs for a healthier and more decentralized labor market, which is why we dedicate this episode to highlighting the benefits entrepreneurs can enjoy by joining the Partner Store project.

1. How would you briefly describe what it means to be a Profi Partner and who this program suits?

Being a Profi Partner means developing your own business “shoulder to shoulder” with one of Romania’s largest retailers. It is a program dedicated to those with an entrepreneurial spirit, whether they want to build a business from scratch or seek a family business that brings stable income, professional growth, and a sense of belonging to a community.

It targets both people living in Romania and Romanians abroad who want to return home and start a safe entrepreneurial journey. We see more and more requests from Romanians wishing to come back to the country looking for a reliable partner, and Profi offers exactly that: security and support.

2. What are the main benefits for those who choose to become Profi Partners?

Profi Partners earn income from the very first month of collaboration, with minimal investments and risks on their part.

Besides Profi covering the salary benefits for the partner’s team (linked to the store’s performance), our company also provides a solid business plan based on clear procedures, well-thought strategies, effective marketing campaigns, and a well-established logistics infrastructure.

Moreover, we ensure constant, transparent, and efficient communication with our partners. We support them daily, giving them the necessary assistance so they can focus 100% on managing their store.

3. What support does Profi offer to new Partners both at the beginning and throughout the collaboration?

The collaboration starts even before signing the contract. Future partners enter a theoretical and practical training program, guided by a dedicated team through all the necessary steps to establish their business.

After taking over the store, the partner benefits from direct support for 3 months from a multifunctional team ensuring smooth integration into the project. Afterwards, we continue support through free training sessions on our internal applications (LMS, SAP) and via the Profi Training Academy, aimed at advanced development.

Partners have constant access to commercial, financial, administrative, and legal consultancy. They are involved in projects dedicated to performance and productivity, all based on trust, transparency, and communication.

4. How accessible is this program for someone without retail experience?

Having retail experience is an advantage but not a mandatory condition. The program is also accessible to those without extensive experience, as long as they have entrepreneurial spirit, discipline, and the ability to coordinate a team. The theoretical and practical training provided by Profi, together with clear procedures and ongoing support, gives new partners all the tools they need to become effective in their daily activities.

5. How does the Profi brand and its infrastructure contribute to the success of a store managed by a Partner?

In over 24 years of activity, Profi has opened more than 1,780 stores and has become one of the most recognized brands in Romanian retail. Since launching the Partner Project in 2012, 96% of our stores are now operated by local entrepreneurs.

We work with over 1,280 partners, numbers that speak for themselves about the efficiency of the business model. All Profi departments contribute to increasing the notoriety, productivity, and profitability of stores operated under the partnership model.

Moreover, Profi’s recent acquisition by the international group Ahold Delhaize, with vast expertise in franchises and partnerships, reconfirms the stability and potential of the program.

6. What message do you have for those who are considering applying but still have questions or doubts?

They say the hardest part is taking the first step. That’s why I encourage everyone wanting to embark on the entrepreneurial path to write to us at vreaumagazin@profi.ro or visit our website: www.profi.ro/magazin-partener

It’s a simple step, and from there we take the initiative. We have a dedicated team that will guide them through the entire process.

Everything is easier when you have help — and at Profi, help is guaranteed!

Thinking about starting your entrepreneurial journey but still have questions?

Visit the dedicated Partner Store Project section on Profi’s website, fill in a partnership request, and from there the Profi team will take over everything, providing constant support at every step.

Don’t forget: Profi is a company about people. We encourage you to discover their organizational culture based on empathy and to find out what benefits you could have if you also become one of the #PeopleAtProfi.