68 new K-retailers started in 2010

Nina Pirinen, retailer of K-market Lapinpata.

The average age of the new K-retailers who started their careers in 2010 was 35 years. 54 (80%) of them are men and 14 (20%) are women. Most K-stores have retailer couples as new entrepreneurs.

The new K-retailers comprise 62 food retailers, four sports retailers, one who sells home technology and one who sells building and home improvement items. The K-market chain had the highest number of new entrepreneurs (46) in 2010.

A total of 101 K-retailers terminated their retailer careers during the year. The most important reasons for termination were retirement or change to a new career.

There are currently 1,269 K-retailers in Finland, selling food, building and home improvement item, agricultural supplies, and speciality goods. The average age of all K-retailers is 46 years; the youngest K-retailer is 24 and the oldest one is 90. Women account for 19.3% of K-retailers, and 80% of the K-stores are family businesses.