MAS Supermarkets (Greek: Όμιλος Υπεραγορών MAS) is a supermarket association in Cyprus operating member-owned supermarkets under the MAS brand, with shared services including central purchasing and distribution.[1] The association was founded in 1996.[1]
History
MAS Supermarkets was founded in 1996 as a shareholding association of autonomous supermarkets, with the stated aim of supporting small and medium-sized supermarkets amid competition from larger retail organisations.[1][3]
Over time the network expanded beyond its original membership. By the early 2020s MAS had adopted a franchise model, under which independently owned supermarkets across the island operate under the mas brand and benefit from the cooperative’s central services. A 2022 report by the news website SigmaLive on a nationwide conference of MAS franchisees highlighted the chain’s steady rise in the perception of Cypriot consumers and noted that franchise partners regarded joining the group as a strategic "checkmate" move that strengthened their competitiveness in a challenging retail environment.[4]