The government’s new price comparison platform eKalata.gov.ge will significantly increase competition in Georgia’s retail sector, ultimately benefiting consumers, according to the Retail Association’s Executive Director Sopho Kashakashvili.
Speaking to BMG, Kashakashvili said the sector has been actively involved in consultations with the Competition Agency and contributed to the development of the platform. She noted that retailers will now be more directly comparable on pricing, which will push chains to offer more competitive deals.
She explained that price differences across retail chains are largely driven by differing business models, noting that some stores operate as discount retailers while others target higher-end consumers with broader services, higher operating costs, and more extensive customer support.
Kashakashvili also clarified that there will be no requirement to physically separate “social basket” products in stores. While retailers may choose to highlight them through labels or dedicated shelves, placement decisions will remain at the discretion of each chain.
The platform currently lists prices for 13 essential products across 12 retail chains, and was developed by the Competition and Consumer Agency with GEL 53,000 allocated from the government reserve fund.
