About us The Estonian Merchants' Association represents and unites companies in the sector. The Estonian Merchants' Association is a voluntary union of retail and wholesale trade companies operating in the Republic of Estonia, founded in 1996. The Merchants' Association is a member of the Estonian Employers' Confederation, the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and EuroCommerce — the European union of retail, wholesale and international trade associations. We represent our members and protect their interests in relations with the legislative and executive branches and with employee representatives, both in Estonia and abroad. 30 years of experience 60 trade companies 1/3 of trade sector employees 80% food trade market share Board members Raul Puusepp Chairman of the board Tallinna Kaubamaja Grupp AS +372 731 5000raul.puusepp@kaubamaja.ee Bruno Lauri Board member OptiPRO OÜ +372 782 1886bruno@prooptika.ee Erkki Laugus Board member Kaubamaja AS +372 667 3200erkki.laugus@kaubamaja.ee Heinar Põldma Board member Põldma Kaubanduse AS +372 672 0067heinar.poldma@cooper.ee Jaanika Terasmaa Board member Maxima Eesti OÜ jaanika.terasmaa@maxima.ee Kairi Toom Board member Astri Grupp +372 7 425 122kairi@astri.ee Kari Maripuu Board member Brightspark OÜ +372 515 4141kari@brightspark.ee Kristel Mets Board member Rimi Eesti Food AS +372 605 6333kristel.mets@rimibaltic.com Kristi Simonsen Board member Selver AS +372 6673 380kristi.simonsen@selver.ee Liina Kippasto Board member Lidl Eesti OÜ +372 5197 5505liina.kippasto@lidl.lt Rainer Rohtla Board member Coop Eesti Keskühistu +372 6710 500rainer.rohtla@coop.ee Teemu Kilpiä Board member Prisma Peremarket AS +372 5680 9625teemu.kilpia@sok.fi Our activities Members of the Estonian Merchants' Association may be private legal entities registered to engage in trade in the Republic of Estonia who recognise and comply with the Association's Statutes and Good Trade Practice. Participation in the Association is possible as either an ordinary member or a supporting member. As of 2025, the Estonian Merchants' Association has 57 members. policy Protecting merchants' interests and advocacy We protect members' interests in relations with government authorities and institutions. We represent the sector in the media. We participate in the legislative process as reviewers of bills, keep members informed of what is being pursued, and proactively act as spokespersons on issues of concern to them. hub Cooperation network Working together with other trade companies, members shape the sector's positions on social issues and on questions that influence the Estonian business climate. Depending on their interests, members can participate in working groups and committees both within the Association and externally. public PR and reputation-building for the retail sector The Merchants' Association is the sector's shared channel to the broader public — through journalists, the website and social media. We offer members the opportunity to present themselves at seminars, round tables and conferences as representatives of the retail sector, and we champion good trade practices. support_agent Services We organise low-cost or free training on relevant topics and bring high-profile speakers to Association events. Our purpose Representing and protecting members' interests in relations with government authorities and institutions Shaping and following fair trade practices Promoting forward-looking competition and trade ethics Participating in legislation affecting the retail environment Providing members with the information and services they need Statutes chevron_right Action plan chevron_right Achievements chevron_right Merchants' Association representation in councils The Merchants' Association represents the retail sector in: / the Agriculture and Food Board's client advisory council, / the Payment Environment Forum at the Bank of Estonia, / the supervisory board of Eesti Pandipakend, / the programme council of TalTech's School of Business and Governance, / the food-safety advisory council of the Ministry of Rural Affairs, / the Estonian Employers' Confederation tax-policy working group, / the food-supply-security advisory council of the Ministry of Rural Affairs, / the advertising advisory council of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority, / the supervisory board of the Estonian Stockpile Centre, / the e-invoicing working group of the Ministry of Finance, / the Service Sector Professional Council at Kutsekoda, / the Consumer Disputes Committee of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority. Our memberships
