Supermarket Chain Owner Rami Levy Shifts Political Stance

Rami Levy, owner of the Rami Levy supermarket chain, has indicated a shift in his political support, stating he will "accept the victory" of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite years of backing him. Levy made these remarks while discussing consumer purchasing habits ahead of the upcoming holiday season.

Levy refuted reports of declining sales, claiming his chain has seen nearly double the sales compared to normal periods, attributing this to consumers making larger purchases due to the holiday's timing. He explained that the holiday falling mid-week allows for more relaxed shopping over a longer period, contrasting it with holidays that fall mid-week and require shopping for both weekdays and Shabbat.

Addressing concerns about rising prices, Levy asserted that his chain is offering "deep promotions" to assist consumers, noting a doubling of sales on a recent day compared to a regular Tuesday. He emphasized that his observations are specific to his chain and that he aims to help those less fortunate through these promotions.

Levy also commented on the cost of living, suggesting that high taxes contribute to elevated prices in Israel compared to other countries. He acknowledged a recent reduction in fuel prices as a positive step, expressing hope that this will benefit consumers during the holidays. Levy further advised consumers on their purchasing power, stating that smart shopping, including buying private label brands, smaller producers, and sale items, can lead to savings of 20-25%.