German retailer Edeka today (23 October) insisted it is sticking by its plans to expand its network of supermarkets and discount stores throughout the country.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The retail co-operative told just-food that, despite the economic downturn, it would press ahead with plans to open around 1,000 stores by the end of 2010.
Under the plans, which were first announced in the spring, Edeka is bidding to open 200 namesake supermarkets and 150 Netto discount outlets a year.
A spokesman for Edeka said the company’s “two very successful concepts” of employee-run supermarkets and its discount outlets gave the group the confidence to maintain its ambitions.
“A classical supermarket selling 15-30,000 products is best in the hands of self-employed retailers. They know their customers best,” the spokesman said.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataGermany is renowned for its competitive discount sector with the likes of Aldi, Lidl and Rewe’s Penny battling for sales as consumers’ concerns over spending mount.
However, the Edeka spokesman said the company’s Netto stores offered German consumers something different from its rivals.
“The Netto discount concept has a few more brands than rival discount stores and it is more oriented towards fresh food.”
