The grocery delivery and retail market in Latvia has undergone significant changes in recent years — more and more people prefer to buy goods online or in small local stores. This trend is being leveraged by SIA LaTS — a network that unites many local retailers.
The online store of the chain started operating back in 2021 with the aim of providing convenient online shopping in Riga and its surroundings, later expanding delivery areas to other districts. LaTS invested over 50,000 euros in supporting and developing the e-store platform. In the eleven months of 2025, the turnover of the online store increased by 15% compared to the same period last year — this confirms that the demand for online shopping continues to grow.
This approach proves that retail and e-commerce can coexist in parallel and even complement each other.
The expansion of delivery areas is closely linked to the opening of new stores in the regions and the development of existing ones. Thanks to this dynamics, more and more residents of Latvia can switch to shopping in local stores or in the online store — regardless of which region they live in.
"If the development continues, it will be easier for people living even in the most remote parishes to provide themselves with the necessary everyday purchases, without having to travel to large regional centers. This could also change shopping habits: trips to supermarkets will decrease, but trust in local trade and digital solutions will increase. For the retail sector, this trend could mean increased demand outside of large cities, and for residents — a more convenient everyday life and greater freedom of choice," said e-commerce project manager Elena Buksha.
New Physical Stores in Rural Areas
One of the most significant events in recent months has been the opening of new physical stores in the regions, which strengthens the chain's presence in rural areas and small towns.
The latest new store of the LaTS chain opened on November 4 in Sala, Jekabpils region. "The store in Sala is the largest new retail outlet opened this year, covering an area of 300 square meters. It is part of a family business with extensive experience in retail. The new store has already gained the trust of local customers," noted E. Buksha.
The opening of new stores is a growing trend, demonstrating that local entrepreneurs are actively engaging in the network, wishing to establish retail points even in less populated areas.
"The opening of new stores is also planned for next year, confirming the strategic choice — to expand where there is a need for local trade: in regions where large stores may be far away or where trade infrastructure is limited," added E. Buksha.
Importance for the Regions of Latvia
New physical stores provide access to food and essential goods for local residents without the need to travel to distant cities or centers. The online store and delivery services allow reaching those who live in rural areas — thus, regardless of residence, access to everyday goods becomes easier and more convenient.
"The unified model of LaTS stores ensures the competitiveness of small and medium local traders in relation to large chains — maintaining the availability of prices and goods in the regions," emphasized the e-commerce project manager.
SIA LaTS was founded in 2007 with the aim of uniting small and medium food retailers in Latvia, reducing costs, and increasing competitiveness. Today, the network unites about 270 companies and includes more than 700 physical retail outlets across Latvia.
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