Discount Retail Chain Aldi South saw its sales rise by approximately 500 million euros to reach 18.8 billion euros in 2025, yet it is losing market share in Germany's fiercely competitive food retail sector. Positively, Aldi South has consistently enhanced the productivity of its individual stores over recent years. Currently, a single store generates 9.3 million euros in net sales. However, the potential for growth in new markets has been exhausted, allowing competitor Lidl to outperform even within Aldi's own sales territory. Aldi Süd maintains its strategic focus, as 2025 marked the third consecutive year of increased operating results. This growth was mainly due to efficiency improvements, despite a decline in the margin compared to the previous year. The gross margin has remained stable at around 23 percent in recent years, with investments similar to the previous year. With the number of stores constant at 2,022 locations, Aldi achieved growth in existing spaces. Price leadership is to be maintained Aldi Süd aims to regain its market share by relying on its traditional strengths and values. Recent austerity measures, including cost reductions in regional staff and headquarters, contribute to this goal and are intended to benefit customers directly. Alongside job cuts, the discounter is strengthening its collaboration with external service providers. The IT and outsourcing company "Tata Consultancy Services" (TCS) recently announced an expansion of its partnership with the retailer. To achieve this, regular price reductions are expected to boost customer trust further. This is especially evident in the consistently low prices for fruits and vegetables. The goal is to maintain price leadership, which competitor Lidl frequently challenges. To enhance this position, the supply chain needs improvement. There are still too many defective items affecting sales. Automatic stock replenishment, which is not yet fully optimized, is intended to address this issue. Instances have occurred where contracted manufacturers failed to deliver on time and at competitive prices. Reducing suppliers also poses a risk of not compensating for disruptions. Despite losing market share, Aldi remains one of Germany's top-selling retail chains. The company continues to benefit from strong brand recognition, a clear discount image, and a loyal customer base. However, industry experts note that the upcoming years will be crucial. The food retail sector is undergoing significant structural changes, whether in digitalization, supply chain adjustments, or increasing demands on product supply.  By March 2026, Aldi is expected to be in a stable position but under significant strategic pressure to adapt in an increasingly dynamic market. Read more: Aldi Süd makes a nice increase in sales, but market shares under pressure - Supermarkt Inside #smartdiscount #aldi #germany #revenue #marketshare #growth #development #tata #outsourcing #it #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd

Discount Retail Chain Hema NB as part of Alibaba`s HEMA group is growing strong in a highly competitive markets field here some data on the format. 1. Financial Performance & Ambitious Targets The 200B Goal: 2025 is a landmark year for Hema, with year-over-year growth exceeding 40%. GMV is expected to surpass 100 billion RMB, with a firm target to break the 200 billion RMB revenue mark within three years. Scale Comparison: A 200 billion RMB revenue would place Hema's volume on par with JD.com’s entire supermarket and fresh food business unit. Profitability: The company achieved full-year profitability between April 2024 and March 2025. 2. The "Dual-Core" Growth Engine Hema has streamlined its focus into two primary business models: Feature Hema Fresh (Large Format) Hema NB (Hard Discount) Target Audience Middle-class "lifestyle" consumers Price-sensitive community shoppers Avg. Order Value 60–70 RMB ~40 RMB Net Profit Margin 2% – 3% (Mature regions) 1.6% – 4%+ Private Label % Part of the 35% overall average 50% – 60% of SKU & Sales 2026 Expansion Target: 700 stores (Tier 3/4 cities) Target: 1,000 stores (Tier 5/6/Counties) 3. The Private Label Powerhouse Growth: Private label sales rose from 10% in 2019 to over 35% in 2025. High-Margin Heroes: The Bakery category is a standout performer, boasting gross margins of 55%–60%. Efficiency: Hema NB achieves lower prices by limiting SKUs to ~1,500 high-turnover items and utilizing "extreme subtraction" in store operations (e.g., using transport crates instead of shelves). 4. Lessons from Failure: The Exit of X Member Stores The attempt to compete directly with Costco and Sam’s Club ended in a total retreat. The Issue: Homogenized products (often just repackaged items from standard stores) and a high cost structure. The Loss: Average store losses were approximately 10% due to high labor (12%) and logistics (5%) costs. Outcome: All Hema X Member Stores were officially closed by August 2025. The Evolution of Leadership: Since CFO Yan Xiaolei took over as CEO in March 2024, the strategy shifted from the "Scale at all costs" mindset of founder Hou Yi to "精益管理" (Lean Management). By cutting underperforming formats like "Neighbour" and "X Member Stores," Hema has stabilized its bottom line. The Alibaba Ecosystem: While Alibaba has divested from other "New Retail" assets (like Sun Art and Intime), Hema remains the "sole survivor." It is now integrating deeper into the Alibaba ecosystem, such as linking with 88VIP and Taobao Flash Purchase, which saw a 70% increase in online orders. The Road Ahead: Challenges for 2026 Supply Chain Pressure: Expanding hard discount (NB) stores into Southern China and lower-tier cities tests cold-chain logistics and regional sourcing. Franchise Risks: Opening the NB model to franchisees requires strict quality control to prevent brand dilution. Intense Competition: Rivals like Meituan (Little Elephant), JD, and Aldi are all vying for the same "Hard Discount" territory. Summary: Hema has transformed from a "hyped concept" into a battle-hardened retail giant. While the 200 billion RMB target is mathematically feasible at current growth rates, its success depends on whether it can master the "unforgiving" economics of the hard-discount supply chain as it moves into China’s smaller towns. #smartdiscount #china #alibaba #nb #hema #expansion #privatelabel #growth #development #battle #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd #meituan #leadership #jd #aldi

Discount Retail Chain Aldi's Global Store Distribution: Region / Segment Est. Store Count Key Dynamics Global ALDI Total ~13,500+ Distributed across 18 countries. ALDI SÜD ~7,000+ Responsible for US, UK, Australia, and China. ALDI NORD ~5,555+ Responsible for France, Poland, Spain, Netherlands, etc. US Market ~2,800 Plans to open 180+ new stores in 2026. China Market 100+ Currently concentrated in Shanghai and surrounding areas; expanding steadily. I | The Data: Just How Aggressive Is This Expansion? On January 12, 2026, Aldi US officially announced plans to open 180+ new stores across 31 states this year. By the end of 2026, the total US store count will approach 2,800, with a goal of hitting 3,200 by 2028. The UK is equally ambitious: investing £370 million to open 40 new stores in 2026, with a long-term goal of growing from 1,060 to 1,500 locations. Combined Impact: In the US and UK alone, Aldi will open 220+ stores in 2026—averaging more than one new store every two days. This isn't just "steady growth"; it is a blitz. The logic is simple: under inflationary pressure, consumers are looking to save. Discount retail has entered a "Golden Age." II | Why Aldi? Understanding the Logic to Find Your Opportunity After years in the Western market, I’ve dealt with Tesco, Costco, and Target, but Aldi’s model is the most impressive because it takes simplicity to the extreme. While a typical Walmart Supercenter stocks over 100,000 SKUs, an Aldi store stocks only about 1,400. This lean catalog grants them unparalleled bargaining power with suppliers—usually one supplier per category, concentrating all order volume. Over 90% of Aldi’s products are Private Label. This means every new store requires a contract manufacturer (OEM) to fill the shelves, home organization, small appliances, kitchenware, and daily necessities, which are exactly the core strengths of Chinese manufacturing. Advantage 1: >90% Private Label They don't fight brand wars; they fight on manufacturing quality and price control. For factories, the barrier to entry is clearer: let the product speak, not the marketing budget. Advantage 2: Lean SKUs Fewer SKUs mean massive individual order volumes. This removes the anxiety of "off-seasons," allowing factories to focus on production efficiency. Advantage 3: Rapid Expansion Every new store represents new procurement demand. This gap is systemic, not accidental. III | The Opportunity is Real, But Mind These Three Hurdles To built a long lasting supply relationship with Aldi: Hurdle 1: Certifications are the "Entry Ticket" Aldi is strict on compliance: BSCI / Sedex social responsibility audits, quality certifications (CE, FCC, etc.), and environmental standards for the target market. These take time and money; you cannot "cram" for these at the last minute. Hurdle 2: Razor-Thin Margins Aldi’s procurement pricing is notoriously "ruthless." To give consumers floor-level retail prices, they squeeze every cent out of the supply chain. Getting the order is easy; keeping the profit is the real skill. You need enough volume to dilute costs to make it worthwhile. Hurdle 3: Quality Consistency is the Lifeline Aldi handles returns decisively. If a batch doesn't meet quality standards, the whole shipment is sent back — no negotiations. Factories with weak quality control won't just lose money; they will be blacklisted. Our DRC Advice The opportunity is real, but there is no "easy money." If your factory already has Western certification systems and stable quality control, now is the time to strike. Organize your product lines and find professional buyer-matching agencies to get on Aldi’s radar. If you aren't ready, get your certifications and quality systems in order first. Being an OEM supplier isn't a "second-best" option; choosing the right customer is the most practical path for going global. #smartdiscount #supplier #oem #privatelabel #expansion #growth #development #quality #valueformoney #certification #control #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #harddiscount #hd #twitter #google

Discount Retail Chain D1 confirmed in 2025 once again their structural growth within the Colombian retail commerce. According to information released by the economic portal Primera Página, the company reached sales of Colombian Peso $21.56 billion, which represents a growth of 11.1% compared to 2024 and consolidates it as the largest retailer in the country in terms of local turnover. This performance is based on a large-scale operation that today totals 2,745 stores distributed over 550 municipalities, reflecting a clear strategy of territorial expansion and proximity to the consumer. In an economic context marked by more rational consumers in spending, high price sensitivity and greater frequency of purchases in proximity channels, D1 continues to capture market share thanks to a proposal based on competitive price, efficient assortment and a highly optimized logistics network. D1's growth is also explained by observing the evolution of its revenues over the last decade. Between 2016 and 2025, D1's sales went from COP$2.13 billion to COP$21.56 billion, increasing tenfold in less than ten years. The trajectory shows particularly accelerated expansion rates between 2019 and 2022, a period in which the hard discount format consolidated its penetration in Colombian households. In 2020, for example, turnover reached $7.36 billion, growing 47.9%, while in 2022 it exceeded COP$13.9 billion, with an increase of close to 40%. This behavior reflects the consolidation of the hard discount model, introduced in Colombia with the arrival of D1 in 2011, based on an efficient cost structure, limited assortments – between 700 and 1,200 SKUs compared to the more than 10,000 of a traditional supermarket – and a determining weight of own brands, which can represent between 80% and 90% of sales. Added to this is a constant geographical expansion that has allowed the format to be taken to intermediate cities and municipalities where there was no modern retail offer before. Behind this growth is also the business strategy of Valórem, the Colombian holding company of the Santo Domingo family that controls 60.2% of Tiendas D1. The history of this business group explains part of the strategic logic that has allowed the development of D1. Since the end of the 1990s, after the spin-off of Bavaria and the creation of Valores Bavaria (now Valórem), the group began a process of reorganising its business portfolio. Throughout the 2000s, there was a progressive renunciation of non-strategic businesses, concentrating capital and management in sectors where the group could build sustainable competitive advantages such as retail, media, entertainment, energy and real estate. Today the portfolio includes companies such as Cine Colombia, El Espectador, Blu Radio, Refocosta, Ditransa, Gases del Caribe and Tiendas D1, among others. In 2024, the group's companies recorded revenues of COP$24.46 billion, of which D1 contributed about 79%, confirming that the chain became the main economic engine of the holding. D1's recent performance also demonstrates the relevance of corporate governance and strategic discipline in building long-term companies. In 2025, the company recorded a net profit of COP$419 million, which represented a growth of 42.2% compared to 2024, accompanied by an increase of close to 24% in operating income. These results show that the model not only generates scale in sales, but also operational efficiency. The business history behind it – from the consolidation of the Santo Domingo Group in Bavaria, its subsequent corporate reorganization and the construction of an investment holding company – leaves a clear lesson for the business world: strategic focus decisions, discipline in capital allocation and solid corporate governance are determining factors in creating companies that transform entire industries. In the case of D1, this combination allowed not only to lead the hard discount market, but also to redefine the competitive map of Colombian retail. Read more: mallyretail.com/actualidad/mall-y-retail-boletin-609-noticia-2 #smartdiscount #d1 #colombia #growth #development #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd

Discount Retail Chains are continuing to outpace the overall sector when it comes to visit increases, with two popular chains leading the way. According to a recent report from retail data firm Placer.ai , average visits per location to Trader Joe’s (4.0%) and Aldi (1.9%) were greater than that of the grocery category as a whole (0.9%) in 2025. Another discount grocer, Lidl (0.7%), saw visits per location increase only marginally compared to 2024, but ended the year on a strong note, with visits increasing 4.9% year over year in the fourth quarter. Across the grocery category, nearly a quarter (22.1%) of visits in 2025 lasted under 10 minutes – a higher share than at Trader Joe’s, Aldi or Lidl. Placer.ai noted that this likely reflects the widespread availability of curb side pickup and quick in-and-out trips at traditional grocers, which isn't offered at Trader Joe’s and Lidl, and is only available in a limited capacity at Aldi. Eighteen percent of the grocery category’s visits also lasted between 10 and 15 minutes. Placer.ai noted that Trader Joe’s stands out for its concentration of mid-length visits. The chain posted the highest share of visits lasting 10 to 15 minutes and 15 to 30 minutes, suggesting a highly efficient shopping experience. The pattern, the firm noted, aligns with Trader Joe’s small-format stores and tightly curated assortment, where seasonal items and cult-favourite products attract guests. The data reveals that Aldi sees a higher share of visits in the 15 to 30 minute and 30 to 45 minute ranges than the grocery category overall, edging out Lidl slightly in both time windows. Placer.ai says this suggests that Aldi’s limited-SKU and small-format model simplifies navigation and decision-making. Lidl shows the strongest skew toward longer visits, including the highest share of visits lasting over 45 minutes (11.7%), exceeding Aldi, Trader Joe’s and the grocery category overall. The chain’s in-store bakery, broader meat and dairy selections, housewares and wider assortment require more time to navigate, and its stores are typically larger than Aldi’s while remaining smaller than conventional grocers. Lidl’s relatively smaller store footprint network may also play a role, according to Placer.ai , pushing shoppers to consolidate trips rather than supplementing with quick visits. “Each chain’s philosophy shapes how shoppers engage with its stores,” said Ezra Carmel, content writer at Placer.ai . “As value remains a powerful driver of grocery traffic, continued success will depend on each brand doubling down on the elements of its model that set it apart and resonate most clearly with its core shopper.” Read more: Placer.ai : Visits to Trader Joe's, Aldi outpacing grocery category | Chain Store Age #smartdiscount #ai #usa #traderjoes #aldi #lidl #placer #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd

Discount frozen food Retail Chain 𝗜𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 (RMB 40B annual turnover) has signed for its first full-capability East China flagship "Iceland Shopping Park" in Wuxi Liangxi, set to launch in Q3 2026. The project core is a 𝟯-𝗶𝗻-𝟭 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 (𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 + 𝗠𝗖𝗡 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 + 𝗔𝗜 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁), competing with Sam's, ALDI and Hema. It integrates 200+ global/local brands (Chinese/Wuxi time-honored included) with regional limited editions, offers 1-hour delivery in Wuxi & same-day delivery across the Yangtze River Delta, and features AI-powered tech (AIGC, VR/AR, frictionless payment, cold chain optimization) plus 5+ F&B first stores (3 national, Jiangsu firsts). Post-opening, it’s expected to draw 1.8M annual offline visitors and drive RMB 1B+ local consumption growth. Iceland’s China expansion is in partnership with exclusive operator 𝗕𝗧𝗚 𝗛𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗸𝗲; its 2025 Beijing Asia-Pacific debut delivered record performance (RMB 130M GMV in 2 weeks, industry-leading online/live streaming results). Founded in 1972, Iceland holds 17% UK frozen food market share, with 1,000+ owned/6,000+ partner stores across 10 countries, a pioneering no-artificial-additives standard and world-class cold chain. Wuxi is chosen for its strong consumption power (2025 retail sales RMB 441.847B, +3.1% YoY), booming first-store economy, strategic Yangtze River Delta location, pro-foreign brand policies and high consumer acceptance of innovative retail. This flagship embodies foreign retailers’ China logic: 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀 + 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, and cements Wuxi’s status as a key global retail hub in the Yangtze River Delta, pioneering retail’s culture-commerce-tourism + digitalization integration. #smartdiscount #iceland #uk #china #frozen #food #ai #franchise #btghuitke #category #privatelabel #leader #entry #growth #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd

Discount Retail Chain ALDI Nord Group now operates 5,555 stores across Europe. Over the past year alone, it opened more than 100 new stores and completed over 200 modernisations, further strengthening our presence across eight European markets. This achievement reflects our long-standing commitment to simple, reliable and affordable shopping - and underlines how strongly Aldi`s discount model resonates with millions of customers.    Driving growth in Spain Spain continues to be one of our fastest-growing markets. Our new store in Mijas not only marks the Group’s 5,555th location, but also represents the 500th store for ALDI ESPAÑA, highlighting the country’s strong expansion.  “Reaching 500 stores in Spain and opening the Group’s 5,555th store is a moment of pride. It shows how strongly our discount model resonates with customers – and what we can achieve together as a Group,” says Valentín Lumbreras, CEO ALDI Spain.  Today, more than 8 million households in Spain choose ALDI for their weekly shopping. And the journey continues: in 2026, ALDI Spain plans to open around 40 additional stores across the country.  Growth powered by our people Across all ALDI countries, the growth path remains strong, with market share increasing in  every market. This shows how firmly the discount model is anchored across Europe – especially as customers increasingly value reliability, simplicity and strong value for money.  With every new store, Aldi reinforces its ambition to provide people everywhere with what they need for daily life: high quality products at the lowest possible price. All powered by more than 88,000 colleagues who bring ALDI’s values to life every day.   #smartdiscount #growth #expansion #investment #germany #spain #aldinord   #aldinordgroup   #discount #growth   #milestone   #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd

Discount Textile Retail Chain Ross Stores Inc. ended its year on a high note with better-than-expected earnings and sales amid traffic gains, and provided an upbeat outlook. In the earnings statement, Ross CEO Jim Conroy said the company ended the fourth quarter with solid momentum, and “while early, we are encouraged by the very strong start to the spring season.” The off-price giant added 90 stores during fiscal 2025 (80 new Ross Dress for Less and 10 DD’s Discounts), including its first-ever locations in the New York Metro area and Puerto Rico. The retailer is picking up the pace slightly this year, with plans to open 110 new stores, including 85 Ross stores and 25 DD’s Discounts. “As we continue to identify attractive real estate opportunities across our markets, we remain confident in the long-term potential to grow Ross and DD’s chains to 2,900 and 700 stores, respectively, expanding our reach to even more customers over time,” Conroy said on the earnings call. Fourth Quarter 2025 Ross reported that its net income totalled $646 million, with earnings per share of $2.00, for the quarter ended Jan. 31, versus $587 million, with earnings per share of $1.79 per share, for the prior year period.  Total sales rose 12% to $6.6 billion. Comparable store sales were up 9%, fuelled by higher transactions and customer counts. Conroy said that  business momentum accelerated further in the fourth quarter, with both sales and earnings significantly surpassing company expectations. “Throughout the holiday season, we delivered compelling merchandise assortments to our stores, benefited from higher customer engagement through our new marketing campaigns, and executed in‑store initiatives that enhanced the customer experience,” he added.  Full Year 2025 For the full year, total sales increased 8% to a record $22.8 billion. Comparable store sales grew 5%. Net income was $2.1 billion, similar to the prior year, while earnings per share were $6.61, up from $6.32 last year Ross said it expects first-quarter same-store sales to increase 7% to 8%, with earnings per share of $1.60 to $1.67. For the full fiscal year, Ross projects, same store sales growth of 3% to 4%. Earnings per share are projected to be in the range of $7.02 to $7.36, compared to $6.61 for the fiscal year 2025. “As we move into 2026, we are encouraged by the strength of our business and confident in the strategic priorities we have set for the year,” Conroy stated. “With a healthy balance sheet, disciplined execution, and a clear focus on delivering compelling value to our customers, we believe we are well-positioned to capture additional market share and drive sustainable, profitable growth in the year ahead and beyond." At year end, the company operated 1,904 Ross locations in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, along with 363 DD’s Discounts stores in 22 states. Read more: Ross Q4 sales jump, cites ‘very strong start’ to spring season; to open 110 stores | Chain Store Age #smartdiscount #ross #dd #usa #textile #results #fyi #2025 #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd

Discount Retail Chains such as Lidl, Aldi or Action are increasingly attacking classic DIY stores with cheap DIY products and gaining market share. Private labels such as Parkside in particular are becoming bestsellers and reach millions of customers directly during their weekly shopping. DIY stores are responding with new own brands and service, but are hoping above all for impetus from renovations and the increase in building permits. Arnold Schwarzenegger is full of admiration. "Wow, what power," the former bodybuilder, actor and politician praises a hobby do-it-yourselfer in sportswear who is currently handling the drill and setting up a weight room in his garage. The fact that Schwarzenegger is referring to the tools of Lidl's own brand Parkside rather than the fitness of the young athlete becomes clear in the further course of the promotional video with even more examples of the discounter's DIY range. But Arnie is encouraging: "You can do it," is his message to the stork-legged pumper, as well as to all do-it-yourselfers and DIY fans. Schwarzenegger has been the face of the brand since autumn 2023, currently additionally supported by Ralf Moeller. "We want to draw attention and inspire people to take their DIY projects into their own hands," says Lidl. "The two brand ambassadors embody strength, perseverance and the belief that you can achieve great things with hard work."   Lidl specifically attacks the DIY industry In fact, this sentence can also be applied to the brand. What started in the 1990s as a cheap private label of the Schwarz Group for Lidl and Kaufland is now the best-selling DIY offer in all of Europe, as a study by Euromonitor shows. The assortment ranges from power tools to garden tools and painting supplies to lawn mowers, chainsaws and high-pressure cleaners. "There is poaching in our assortments," confirms Peter Wüst, the chief executive of the German DIY Retail Association (BHB), at the presentation of the annual balance sheet of the DIY industry. And this poaching is increasingly successful. Lidl is not alone in this. Aldi or discounters such as Action and Thomas Philips have also been increasingly pushing into the DIY sector with promotional goods for some time now and are gaining sales and market share with seasonal items. This is shown by the current industry figures. According to this, the DIY stores are already in the red for the third year in a row. In 2025, revenues in this country fell by 1.6 percent to 20.6 billion euros, reports the BHB. In segments such as tools or garden tools, the minus is even around four percent each. However, most of the other levels in the so-called "retail-relevant DIY market", which industry analyst Klaus-Peter Teipel estimates at around 131.5 billion euros, have also lost. Only one of six forms of distribution is in the plus: the "Other without crafts" sector. And that's exactly where supermarkets and discounters are sorted, as BHB boss Wüst describes. Here, there was a 1.3 percent increase in sales against the trend. Read more: Baumärkte unter Druck: Lidl und Aldi greifen Branche gezielt an - Business Insider #smartdiscount #action #germany #diy #lidl #aldi #action #bauhaus #hornbach #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Variety Retail Chain Action will open its first store in Croatia on 11 March 2026, marking the company’s entry into its 15th European market. The debut Croatian location will open in Sesvete, a district on the eastern side of Zagreb. “Residents of Sesvete and the surrounding area will gain access to the Action formula: a carefully selected assortment of 6,000 quality and increasingly sustainable products across 14 categories, all at the lowest prices,” the company said in a statement, writes Jutarnji list . The arrival of Action in Croatia and neighbouring Slovenia has been anticipated since mid-2024. According to unofficial information, the chain plans to open stores primarily in existing retail parks, while also seeking retail space in the centres of larger cities. Action’s offer spans 14 product categories, including household goods, home décor, DIY items, garden products, toys, multimedia products, health and personal care, long-life food and drinks, detergents and cleaning products, pet supplies and fashion and bedding. The assortment is constantly refreshed, with around 150 new products introduced every week, although the range remains largely similar across all countries where the chain operates. The retailer is particularly known for its pricing strategy. Around two-thirds of products cost less than €3, while 1,500 items are priced below €1. Because of its pricing model and product mix, Action is expected to compete directly with discount and variety retailers such as Pepco, Tedi, KiK and, to some extent, Pevex. Action says the average shopping basket ranges between €12 and €15, while customers visit its stores more than 12 times per year on average. Action’s CEO, Hajir Hajji, recently explained the retailer’s strict pricing philosophy. “If we cannot offer the lowest price for a product, we simply will not place it on our shelves,” Hajji said. Founded in the Netherlands, Action has rapidly become one of Europe’s fastest-growing non-food discount retailers, expanding aggressively across the continent with thousands of stores. The opening in Sesvete marks the start of its Croatian rollout, with additional locations expected to follow in the coming months. Read more: Europe’s fastest-growing retail chain Action opens first store in Croatia | Croatia WeekCroatia Week #smartdiscount #action #expansion #europ #croatia #netherlands #growth #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd

Discount Retail Chain ALDI Hungary reopens its store in downtown Budapest, at 8 Báthory Street, District V, after comprehensive maintenance. The store is reopened to customers in accordance with the latest ALDI concept, with new furniture, a focus on fresh goods and modern technical solutions. One of ALDI's most popular stores is the Báthory Street store in Budapest, in the 5th district, near the Parliament and Kossuth Square. In order to serve customer needs even better, the store chain will carry out comprehensive maintenance in the store to welcome customers renewed. "ALDI Hungary is developing its Hungarian store network with a strategic approach in the interest of its customers. Our store on Báthory Street has been renewed, with a clean layout that responds to customer needs, making everyday shopping even easier and more convenient," said Bernhard Haider, national managing director of ALDI Hungary Food Bt. in connection with the works. Renewed layout, focus on fresh products The advantageous features of the store do not change, as it is easily accessible on foot, by bicycle or by public transport due to its excellent location. During maintenance, ALDI creates a simpler customer route in the sales area and focuses on fresh products. The fruit and vegetables and fresh meat product groups will be placed at the entrance of the store, so the fresh goods, which are delivered daily to the store, are directly available upon entry. In addition to the open fruit and vegetable counters, the company will also place refrigerators, so certain products, such as salads, mushrooms, packaged pickles, will be offered in refrigerators in the future, thus ensuring a longer preservation of quality. The entire furniture of the store will be renewed, which will create a cleaner, more transparent shopping environment. The bakery in the sales area awaits customers with fresh bakery products from opening to closing: the currently 54 types of sweet and savory products are freshly baked on the spot several times during the day, according to customer needs. In addition to the show bakery, more than 50 packaged bakery products, including free breads, cakes and cakes, await customers.  Reopening promotions, gifts On the occasion of the reopening, ALDI will significantly reduce the prices of nearly 30 products in this store alone, including vegetables, fruits, bakery products, fresh meat and dairy products, by up to 30%. At the opening on Thursday morning, the first 200 customers will receive a guaranteed gift in an envelope, the envelopes will hide ALDI shopping vouchers worth between HUF 2000 and HUF 100,000. Read more: The popular downtown ALDI store reopens - Trademagazin #smartdiscount #aldi #hungary #budapest #newformat #bakery #fresh #expansion #growth #development #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd

Discount Retail Consulting management team was out in full force at EuroShop 2026 in Düsseldorf on February 24 and 25. The event lived up to its reputation as a premier networking hub, allowing us to engage with an impressive mix of prospective clients and long-standing partners. The exhibition served as a vital touchpoint for our global network, offering the chance to reconnect with international clientele from China, Turkey, Germany, North-Macedonia, the UK, Russia, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Key Highlights from the Floor A Global Focal Point:  Discount retail continues to be one of the fastest-growing grocery channels worldwide. It was clearly the "topic of the hour," sparking intense discussion among industry leaders looking to optimize their value proposition. Leading the Conversation:  At the Kaplanlar booth — which earned a well-deserved 3rd place for best booth design — DRC took center stage. As the leading authority in the sector, we delivered a presentation on global discount retail trends to a highly engaged, standing-room-only audience. Industry Synergy:  EuroShop remains the ultimate venue for retail convergence. It provided a unique space to bridge the gap between various disciplines — from store design and innovative IT solutions in ESL, AI and pricing to cutting-edge refrigeration and equipment. #smartdiscount #euroshop #2026 #germany #kaplanlar #hanshow #josdevries #jdv #magnit #china #turkey #uzbekistan #retailstrategy #drc #discount #retail #consultign #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #twitter #harddiscount #hd #NorthMacedonia #UK #Russia #Thailand #Kazakhstan