Choosing a supplier of fuels and energy in large-format retail enterprises

Purpose: The overriding goal of the considerations is to indicate the assumptions and rule for the implementation of the procedure leading to the appointment of an appropriate fuel and energy supplier in large-format enterprises (L-FE), to the extent necessary to improve economic results. The choice will take into account both the size and structure of the resources that are at the disposal of the enterprise and the environmental conditions. The practical goal will be to develop a concept for the implementation of the procedure for the evaluation and selection of a supplier of energy carriers for the needs of a commercial entity. Design/methodology/approach: The research procedure will run through the following stages: 1. Presentation of the theoretical foundations by discussing concepts related to the functioning of the fuel and energy economy as well as indicating the methods and criteria for selecting a supplier. The research method used will be a review of the literature on the subject. 2. Recognition of the L-FE decision situation through the analysis of the subjective, objective and process structure. The research method used will be direct observation with participation. The observation will be carried out in four commercial networks (in total seven enterprises). 3. Setting the assumptions for the implementation of the procedure for the evaluation and selection of the supplier of energy carriers in L-FE. At this stage, the purpose of the procedure, its essence, stages and tasks of implementation as well as the procedure will be indicated. Responsible persons and contractors will be appointed. The evaluation criteria as well as the applicable entry and exit documents will be proposed. The research method used will be the expert method. Findings: The added value of the article is the answer to the question: how is the process of assessing and selecting the supplier of energy carriers in L-FE? The work indicates its goal, stages and tasks of implementation, applicable documents, methods of proceeding and evaluation criteria. The proposed solution contains practical guidelines. Should be noted that the adopted scheme of conduct and the method of its application in a trading enterprise creates the possibility of transferring the developed solutions to other economic systems. Originality/value: In this article, the actions taken have been focused on areas that have and will have an impact on reducing the costs of the company's operation and, consequently, on improving their competitive position on the market.