Meksanei Hashmal Launches New Chain for Haredi Sector
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Meksanei Hashmal has launched a new retail chain called "Meksanei Hashmal Mahadrin" targeting the Haredi community, with the first store opening in Beitar Illit. The stores will focus on Shabbat-compliant appliances and avoid items like TVs and smartphones. Three more branches are planned by the end of 2026 in cities with significant Haredi populations. The move is based on market research indicating a demand for tailored shopping experiences.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Meksanei Hashmal launched "Meksanei Hashmal Mahadrin" for the Haredi sector, opening its first store in Beitar Illit.
- The new stores will sell Shabbat-compliant appliances and Kosher phones, but not TVs, tablets, or smartphones.
- The chain plans to open three additional branches by the end of 2026 in cities with over 30,000 Haredi residents.
- Investment in the first 400-square-meter store in Beitar Illit reached approximately one million shekels.
- Prices are aimed at large families, with refrigerators starting at 799 shekels and ovens at 599 shekels.
- The initiative is a collaboration with "Mishmeret Shabbat" and "Hidabroot" organizations.
- Co-CEO Yoram Badash cited market research showing a preference for accessible, tailored stores.
The Israeli electronics retail chain Meksanei Hashmal has launched a new sub-brand, "Meksanei Hashmal Mahadrin," specifically targeting the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the organizations "Mishmeret Shabbat" and "Hidabroot," aims to cater to the unique needs of this demographic. The first store opened in Beitar Illit, a major Haredi city, and is a 400-square-meter space representing an investment of approximately one million shekels.
Notably, the "Mahadrin" stores will not sell items like televisions, tablets, or smartphones. Instead, the focus will be on appliances with "Halachic" (Jewish law) adaptations and Shabbat-compliant features, high-capacity devices suitable for large families, and "Kosher" phones. Prices are set to accommodate larger households, with refrigerators starting at 799 shekels, ovens at 599 shekels, and stovetops at 270 shekels.
Meksanei Hashmal plans to open three additional branches by the fourth quarter of 2026 in cities with over 30,000 Haredi residents, though these locations have not yet been disclosed. The decision to create a separate brand stemmed from market research within the Haredi community, which indicated a strong awareness of the Meksanei Hashmal brand coupled with a preference for accessible stores tailored to their needs.
"In surveys we conducted in the Haredi sector, we found very high awareness of Meksanei Hashmal, alongside a clear preference to purchase from an accessible branch that is adapted to the needs of the Haredi public," stated Yoram Badash, Co-CEO of Meksanei Hashmal. He added that the company partnered with "Hidabroot" and "Mishmeret Shabbat" to offer the Haredi public the variety, service, and prices of Meksanei Hashmal, with the necessary adaptations for family needs and Shabbat observance.
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