Discount Retail Chain Lidl Belgium is once again introducing self-service checkouts in its stores. The first was a modernized branch in Charleroi. Others are to follow this year in Wallonia and Flanders. In 2020, the discounter had started a pilot project with SCO checkouts. At that time, however, it became apparent that the available technology was not optimal. The new improved systems are intended to significantly increase the customer experience. A Lidl customer survey showed that the majority of shoppers prefer a fast and efficient option such as self-service checkouts. National roll-out "With the introduction of self-service checkouts, we can shorten waiting times and increase shopping convenience. We understand that our customers value efficiency and convenience while shopping, and with this solution, we aim to meet those expectations. A colleague will always be present at the self-service checkouts to support customers and ensure a smooth process. In addition to the self-service checkouts, the traditional checkouts will remain in place, where cash payments will continue to be possible," explains Isabelle Colbrandt, spokesperson for Lidl Belgium & Luxembourg. With the current launch in Couillet, a district of Charleroi in Wallonia, Lidl marks the beginning of a long-term change. Branches in Hamme-Mille (Wallonia) and Lokeren (Flanders) are to follow in 2024. The retailer plans to roll out the system in all stores nationwide in the coming years. Read more: Lidl: Neustart für SCO in Belgien | stores+shops #smartdiscount #lidl #belgium #luxembourg #sco #rollout #selfscan #restart #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Aldi Poland will end 2024 with 60 new locations and intends to maintain this pace of openings. The chain will also invest in logistics and digital innovations. Tomasz Gawlik, director of the real estate and expansion area at Aldi Poland, tells us about the plans of the discounter. 350 Aldi stores in Poland The year 2024 was a time of dynamic development for ALDI Poland, which allowed the chain to strengthen its position on the market. "We opened a record number of new stores, continuing our intensive expansion throughout the country. Our network has grown by nearly 60 new locations, we will close 2024 with over 350 stores throughout Poland. Currently, we have the largest number of branches in the Silesian and Lower Silesian Voivodeships," says Tomasz Gawlik, Director of Real Estate and Expansion at Aldi Poland. New distribution center A key element of Aldi's activities in Poland is the expansion of logistics infrastructure, which will ensure efficient service of the growing number of stores. "As part of these activities, we plan to open another distribution center in the new year, which will be located in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, which will further improve the delivery of products to all our locations," explains our interlocutor. Aldi focuses on innovation and private labels The past year has also brought the implementation of many innovations. "We are further developing numerous ecological solutions in our stores, such as photovoltaic installations or heat recovery systems from cold stores, which allow us to reduce energy consumption and reduce our carbon footprint. We also developed the electromobility infrastructure by launching the first electric vehicle charging stations in ALDI car parks. In August this year, we commissioned GreenWay charging stations. The long-term plan is to equip car parks at ALDI stores with chargers in all owned facilities throughout Poland," explains Tomasz Gawlik. "In the past year, we also focused on the product offer, especially by developing the segment of private labels, which have been the pillar of our strategy for years. ALDI's own-brand products, such as Milsani, Dobre Plony and Prosto z Pieca, recorded a significant increase in sales – customers appreciate their quality and competitive prices. At the same time, we have introduced new products, especially in the category of healthy food, ready meals and premium products, responding to the changing needs of modern consumers," emphasizes the Aldi director. What are Aldi's plans for 2025? "We plan to continue the dynamic development of our store network, maintaining the pace of openings at the level of about 60 locations per year. In the first months of the new year, we plan to open stores in cities such as: Strzelce Opolskie, Poznań, Kraków, Rembelszczyzna, Wrocław, Warsaw, Rzeszów, Brzeziny and Czechowice-Dziedzice. An important element of our plans are also investments in modern technologies and digital solutions that will make shopping at ALDI even more convenient and intuitive," reveals Tomasz Gawlik. "The year 2024 was a time of hard work for us, but also of success, which shows that our strategy responds to the needs of the market and customer expectations. In the coming year, we intend to continue this course, strengthening ALDI's position as a chain offering quality products at affordable prices and providing our customers with an exceptional shopping experience," concludes Tomasz Gawlik. Read more: Aldi: We have opened 60 new stores this year, we want to maintain this pace #smartdiscount #aldi #poland #expansion #growth #development #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail non-food variety Chains are growing significantly and have recently chased sales away from the classic food discounters Lidl and Aldi. What is the focus of their business models and who is behind the brands with thousands of stores in German cities? The times when every product cost only one euro in the cheap shops are over. Inflation has not stopped at the ultra-cheap non-food discounters, where the goods often cost significantly more. In addition, there is now a much larger selection of products in the numerous sales outlets. In addition to classic household goods, cosmetics, toys and stationery, gifts and decorative items, there are also many seasonal products for home and garden. The expansion of the range to basically everything that cannot be consumed does not change the popularity of these shops, which can be found in every major city. Quite the opposite: In recent years, sales have been growing in the markets that have established themselves as a real alternative in the non-food sector alongside classic food discounters such as Aldi or Lidl . The total turnover of the low-cost chains, which import most of their goods from China and other low-wage countries, rose from 2.6 to 3.2 billion euros between the first half of 2022 and 2024. The low-cost chains are likely to have chased part of the business away from the classic discounters. In the same period, Aldi and Lidl lost half a billion euros in the non-food sector, according to calculations by market researcher Consumer Panel Services GfK; they generated sales of around 3.5 billion euros in the segment. The cheap markets, once ridiculed as junk shops, have thus become a permanent fixture in the German retail trade. The overview shows who is behind it. Tedi The market leader among the non-food discounters in Germany is Tedi, the abbreviation stands for "Top Euro Discount". In 2003, the first branch was opened in Hagen, and the Dortmund-based company now has more than 1900 sales outlets in Germany alone, with a total of 3200 stores in 15 European countries. In the medium term, the number of branches is even expected to increase to 5000. In August 2023, Tedi also acquired more than 40 stores of the French discounter Max Plus. With 35,000 employees across Europe, Tedi is aiming for sales of around 3 billion euros in the current fiscal year (until April 30, 2025). Of the approximately 15,000 items that can be bought at Tedi, more than 3000 products cost only one euro or even less. In addition to many branded products, Tedi also has its own brands. Tedi also offers cheap clothes. However, an existing online shop was closed again in 2022. You can look at the goods online, but when it comes to sales, Tedi is once again completely relying on the sale of goods in its stores. Walk-in customers play an important role in this, which is why most Tedi stores are located in shopping centers or pedestrian zones. Behind Tedi is Jost-Stefan Heinig (62), one of the most successful and at the same time least known entrepreneurs in Germany. In the 90s, he opened the first store of the textile discounter KiK, in which he is no longer involved. 20 years ago, the company started with Tedi, initially as a Tengelmann subsidiary. With his low-cost companies, Heinig built up a fortune of around 3 billion euros, making him 80th in the richest list of manager magazin. Since September 2023, Tedi's CEO has been Petar Burazin, who is to further drive the company's expansion. Action The currently fastest growing non-food discounter in Germany is Action, a wholly owned subsidiary of Action Holding B.V. from the Netherlands. Launched there in 1993 and then in 2009 with the first German branch, the Düsseldorf-based company currently has 550 sales outlets in this country. Across Europe, there are currently 2755 stores in twelve countries, and 1400 more locations are to be added by 2026. The Action Group, which is majority-owned by the British financial investor 3i, is also particularly well represented in France . In the Action stores, there are often special item markets with a focus on topics such as furnishings or "Do It Yourself", as well as numerous consumer goods. In total, Action currently offers around 6000 items, including more than 1500 products in the price segment up to one euro. Only about a third of the range is part of the permanent range, including numerous premium and private labels. The current CEO Hajir Hajji (43), who started as a cashier at the company at the age of 17, likes to describe the constant change in his range, there are 150 new products every week, as an "action formula". In the first nine months of the year, Action Holding B.V. was able to increase its sales by around 20 percent to 9.6 billion euros. Since Action lowered the prices of around 4000 products in 2023 and 2024, the sales growth can be attributed primarily to an increased number of customers. A total of 74,500 employees currently work for the company throughout Europe. Woolworth Like Tedi, Woolworth is also part of Jost-Stefan Heinig's corporate empire. The history of the general store goes back a long way. As early as 1927, the German subsidiary of the American F.W. Woolworth Company opened its first store in Bremen. Shortly afterwards, a shop opened in Berlin that advertised for customers with the statement "Nothing over 50 pfenning". In the company's rapid history, a rapid rise, financial difficulties and several changes of ownership followed over the decades. After insolvency, Woolworth GmbH was re-founded in Germany in 2010. The company, based in Unna, North Rhine-Westphalia, has a standard range of 10,000 items and focuses on local stores in city centres and district and shopping centres. "Woolworth wants to show its colors locally instead of doing faceless e-commerce," it says on the company's homepage. About 90 percent of the items are private labels. Around 6000 products cost less than three euros at Woolworths, and the company currently operates 750 stores with more than 10,000 employees, most of them in Germany. In addition, there are locations in Poland and Austria. Similar to Tedi, owner Heinig is also pursuing ambitious goals with Woolworth, and in the medium term he plans to open 5000 stores throughout Europe. However, since the beginning of the year, the investment bank Rothschild has been looking for possible interested parties for Woolworth. The company is currently led by Roman Heini (48), a long-time Aldi manager, who also has a 2 percent stake. The Acition investor 3i is said to have been interested in a purchase, but the plan is said to have been shattered, according to the "Lebensmittelzeitung". Thomas Philipps The company, founded in 1986, is positioning itself as a non-food discounter primarily for home and garden items, with the same name as its founder: Thomas Philipps . The family-owned company from Bissendorf in the district of Osnabrück now has more than 250 stores in Germany, as well as branches in Lithuania and Austria. Originally starting with the sale of special items, Thomas Philipps now has around 18,000 items in its range, including plants and flowers, camping articles, tools as well as car and bicycle accessories. In the meantime, the third generation of the Philipps family is at the helm. The company employs around 800 people, mainly in administration and logistics. In addition, there are 3500 employees in the individual markets, where the company relies on independent market partners. According to the company, they are free in personnel management and also flexible in merchandise scheduling for the respective location of the store. In addition, Thomas Philipps also relies on an online shop where you can find around 2500 products from the entire range. Schum Euroshop After the renaming of "Knüllerkiste" to "Euroshop", the name was the program for a long time and ensured a high level of awareness: Each item cost only one euro here. But since 2020, the alleged unit price in the 350 Euroshop stores for the approximately 2000 non-food products has been 1.10 euros, but individual goods currently cost 1.50 euros. The company, whose origins as a hardware store dates back to 1877, is focusing on rather restrained growth, CEO Rainer Schum wants to remain a family entrepreneur in the fourth generation. Euroshop promises to comply with certain quality criteria and the legal requirements regarding product safety with its range of around 5000 items. "It can't be junk. We have to convince with quality," it says on the company's homepage. This is how they want to distinguish themselves from item dealers. Euroshop reaches around 250,000 customers every day. Read more: Tedi, Action, Woolworth, Euroshop, Thomas Philipps: Who owns Germany's cheap markets - manager #smartdiscount #thomasphilipps #action #woolworths #tedi #aldi #lidl #inout #specialbuys #expansion #growth #germany #nonfood #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Lidl Germany's owner the Schwarz Group is backing its digital ambitions with a major investment in Lübbenau (Germany), next to the Kaufland logistics center, a data center for Schwarz Digits, STACKIT & Co. is being built, which is set to be one of the largest in Germany. Following the deal between Lidl's parent company in Germany and Google Cloud, the necessary capacity is needed. The project is designed for an electrical connection capacity of up to 200 megawatts. The Schwarz Group, which includes Lidl and Kaufland, wants to build the plant on the old power plant site by the end of 2027, as it said at a press conference in Lübbenau. Group and customer data from all over Germany will be processed and stored in the data center on 13 hectares. It is about data from delivery and ordering processes, payment processes and customer loyalty programs. These are to be stored in a company's own cloud. Waste heat to flow into district heating network The data center with a connected load of 200 megawatts is to consist of six buildings in which the computers will be housed, a five-story administration building and a substation. It would be the fourth such center of the Schwarz Group in Germany, which is to be built in eastern Germany for geostrategic reasons (failure scenarios, hacker attacks, natural disasters), the company announced. The municipal utilities want to use the waste heat generated by the computing power in the neighboring combined heat and power plant and feed it into the district heating network. Company representatives did not want to say how much money the Schwarz Group is investing in Lübbenau. Read more: Rechenzentrum für Discounter-Kette entsteht in Lübbenau | rbb24 #smartdiscount #schwarz #lidl #stackit #datacenter #googlecloud #expansion #growth #investment #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

"The year 2024 was a challenge for the entire retail industry, but Pepco proved the rightness of its mission, its flexibility and ability to adapt to customer needs," says Marcin Stańko, Pepco's Chief Operating Officer, in an interview with dlahandlu.pl. How does Pepco sum up the ending year? It was a difficult year for the trade, but did discount chains gain new customers thanks to this? Marcin Stańko, Chief Operating Officer of Pepco : The increase in the cost of living has prompted many consumers to look for savings, which naturally attracted them to our network. We have taken up the challenge and to help our customers in these difficult times, we have reduced the prices of hundreds of products in our stores. Thanks to attractive prices and a diverse assortment, we were able to attract new customers, while strengthening the loyalty of the existing ones. It is thanks to our customers that our network can continue to grow, in the 2024 financial year alone, we launched over 300 new locations in Europe. In addition, we regularly modernize existing outlets to provide customers with an even better shopping experience. It was a year full of intensive work, but also many successes, which is reflected in Pepco's results and the increase in the chain's revenues by over 14%. How does the company react to changes in market trends? How does this affect Pepco's offer? Our strength is the ability to listen to the needs of our customers. Currently, we can see that three areas are crucial: diversity, accessibility and ecology. Our main group of customers are women who choose products for their families, but we are also increasingly visited by young people looking for fashionable but affordable products. We treat changing trends as an opportunity for innovation and development, so that our customers can find what they need to decorate their homes and dress their families in Pepco stores. Collections of responsibly produced products, such as organic cotton clothing or FSC-certified accessories, are also popular with customers. ESG is an important topic for every company today. How do you implement pro-environmental assumptions? Our main goal is to prove that affordability doesn't have to be a barrier to a sustainable lifestyle. We reduce our carbon footprint by modernizing our stores, we introduce solutions that reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and change packaging to more environmentally responsible ones. Clothes with GOTS organic cotton certificate or items made of recycled are becoming more and more popular in our offer. An important part of our strategy is also care for employees, the development of their competences and the promotion of diversity, including the participation of women in managerial positions. Such activities are not only our duty, but also an opportunity to build lasting relationships with customers. A great area of our concern as part of the entire ESG program is also the society and Pepco's activities in the area of care for the youngest. In each country where our stores are present, we implement programs aimed at enabling children and young people to have an equal start into adulthood, through various development initiatives. Last year, we helped over 92,000 young beneficiaries. What technologies are used in Pepco stores? We invest in technologies that make purchasing easier and improve operational efficiency. We have introduced self-service checkouts in many stores, which significantly reduces service time. In addition to the changes visible to the naked eye, we are also introducing systemic improvements, both in the area of store operations and our entire supply chain, to maximize the convenience and pleasure of shopping. We are constantly developing and plan to introduce further digital tools that will improve the functioning of stores and increase the convenience of shopping. What benefits does Pepco offer to its employees? Do you expect wage increases? We want our employees to feel appreciated and have the opportunity to develop, because their commitment is one of the key factors behind Pepco's success. We offer a wide range of benefits – from private medical care, through co-financing of training, to career development and qualification development programs. We are planning further investments in the team and, as every year, we are increasing the budget for salaries for our employees. And what development plans does Pepco have for next year? The year 2025 promises to be equally dynamic. The entire Pepco Group plans to open about 300 new stores, focusing mainly on the Pepco brand and, above all, the Central and Eastern Europe region. We are also continuing the process of modernizing stores. In terms of assortment, we are developing key categories such as clothing and decorative items, while introducing new lines in line with the latest trends. Our goal is to be even closer to our customers and to further strengthen our position as a market leader. Read more: Pepco: This year has proven our mission #smartdiscount #pepco #poland #expansion #growth #stores #mission #strategy #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #drc #google

Discount Retail Chain Biedronka chain has prepared special promotions for customers and significant raises for employees. From January 2025, a novice salesperson-cashier will earn at least PLN 5150 gross, and PLN 450 million has been allocated for salaries for 67,000 employees. The jubilee is also about investments the modernization of stores and the development of new stores are part of the chain's long history of success. The Biedronka chain welcomed 2025 with special promotions for customers on the occasion of its 30th birthday. "Welcome to 2025!" A special year for the Biedronka chain, because it celebrates its 30th birthday! What does this mean for customers? Of course, as many as 365 days of even lower prices, better promotions, being closer and celebrating together! - we read in the press release. The first store of the Biedronka chain was opened on April 4, 1995 in Poznań at Newtona Street. Since then, 30 years have passed and Biedronka has acquired about 3,700 stores throughout the country, becoming a market leader, the most recognizable brand among retail chains and one of the largest employers in Poland. History of the Biedronka chain The founder of the Biedronka chain was entrepreneur Mariusz Świtalski, the owner of Elektromis. In 1997, Jerónimo Martins bought 210 stores from the company and has been growing the chain ever since. In March 2010, the 1,500th store with this sign was opened in Poznań, at Bobrzańska Street, and by 2012 another 500 stores were opened. In 2008, JM took over over 120 stores of the German Plus chain. On October 8, 2012, the two-thousandth Biedronka store was opened in Łódź at 366 Rokicińska Street. The 2,500th store of the chain was opened on September 15, 2014 in Milanówek at 21 Królewska Street. The 3,000th store opened at the end of 2019. For the 25th anniversary, Biedronka inaugurated the Biedronka Foundation. It was created to help the elderly. Its first program was prepaid cards "For everyday shopping". In February 2020, the chain created the position of customer ombudsman, which was taken over by Magdalena Koralewska. The customer service office receives 500,000 cases a year, of which 250,000 are complaints. From pallets to modern shops with environmentally friendly technological solutions Over the years, Biedronka stores have undergone a huge metamorphosis, adapting to the changes that have been dynamically taking place in the retail industry. They are distinguished by pro-ecological technological solution, photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging station, or marketing communication in the store on LCD screens. Selected stores also have self-service "Coffee and Cake" corners or free Wi-Fi for customers. EUR 253 million for the development of the Biedronka chain At the end of September 2024, there were 3,659 Biedronka stores, 90 more than at the end of 2023. Capital expenditures on the Biedronka chain amounted to EUR 253 million, compared to EUR 344 million a year earlier. Biedronka as an employer. How much does a cashier earn at Biedronka? At the end of December 2024, the chain announced that almost 67 thousand Biedronka employees in stores and distribution centers will receive higher salaries from January 1, 2025. The largest employer in Poland will allocate almost PLN 450 million per year for pay rises for employees in basic positions. From January 2025, a salesperson-cashier starting work in the network will earn no less than PLN 5150 to PLN 5500 gross, and if they have more than 3 years of experience, from PLN 5300 to PLN 5750 gross. This means that a cashier – salesperson starting work, working full-time, but with the shortest experience, will receive a 10.5% raise. A novice store manager will receive no less than PLN 7200 gross. Salaries will also increase for employees of Biedronka distribution centers. A warehouse worker with the least experience will be able to count on PLN 5250 - 5550 gross, and an administrative and warehouse manager - PLN 6100 - 6400 gross. The amounts include rewards for no unplanned absence. Read more: From one store to the most recognizable brand in Poland #smartdiscount #biedronka #poland #development #growth #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #drc #google

Discount Retail Chain Lidl UK customers increasingly chose to back British over the festive period as the discounter celebrated its most successful Christmas yet. Sales increased by almost 7% year-on-year as Lidl stores welcomed more than 2million more customers through its doors, with Monday 23rd December marking its busiest day. The discounter also exceeded £1billion in turnover for the first time in the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Lidl increased its British supply base by 20% this holiday season, stocking its shelves with high-quality, locally-sourced festive favourites at the lowest prices. Over 16 million British pigs in blankets were sold, including new Deluxe flavours such as maple, cheese, and cranberry. British turkeys proved again to be the festive staple, with one sold every second, while ¾ million roasting joints were enjoyed across the country. Shoppers consumed almost 8million Lidl stuffing balls and 2million litres of gravy, with households enjoying a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for just £1.78 per head. Benefitting from the best value with no compromise on quality, shoppers purchased 6,500 tonnes of Lidl’s Pick of the Week festive British vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and swede, during Christmas week. The discounter’s dedication to investing in price meant that customers could take home their vegetables for just 8p each, reinforcing Lidl’s position as the go-to supermarket for value at Christmas. This was an investment directly from the discounter, which has a long-standing commitment to supporting British agriculture and had no impact on the payment to British farmers. Lidl Plus grew its user base by over a quarter year-on-year, with 75% more customers taking advantage of its weekly discounts. In December, Lidl also brought festive cheer with its Advent Calendar campaign, which saw more than 1million customers engage daily for surprises and promotions, driving loyalty and excitement throughout the season. Festive Innovation Driving Success Lidl’s Christmas range was its most varied and innovative yet. Its expanded Deluxe range featured indulgent additions sourced from British suppliers, such as Lidl Christmas Jumper Desserts, Sticky Toffee Crowns, and its Christmas Express, a Belgian chocolate train filled with chocolate mousse and salted caramel with a brownie base and marshmallow steam. Its affordable Partytime range also grew, with new lines including Partytime Mini Duck Bao Buns and Partytime Arancini Bites, resulting in sales jumping by 32%. Panettone and Pandoro sales increased by a quarter, with its Mini Pandoro up by 135% year on year. Lidl’s cream liqueur range, featuring new flavours such as Caramel Biscuit, White Chocolate, and Tiramisu, delivered a 60% sales uplift across the range. Marking the spirit of the season, over 11million glasses of fizz were raised in celebration, while the discounter saw a 25% spike in sales of Champagne alone. Supporting Families and Communities Lidl’s partnership with Neighbourly saw around 1.25million meals being donated in December, while Lidl provided £125,000 in festive grants to local charities, helping bring Christmas magic to those who needed it most. Additionally, Lidl’s nationwide Toy Bank scheme invited customers to donate toys to children who might otherwise go without, resulting in almost 100,000 toys being distributed as Christmas presents. Commenting on the success, Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, said: “For three decades, Lidl has been providing households with access to unbeatable quality and value at Christmas. This year, we were thrilled to welcome more customers than ever before. That’s a strong reflection of the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our colleagues and suppliers, who work so hard to deliver an outstanding Christmas for the communities we serve. “In 2024, we continued to raise the bar with product innovation, especially within our Deluxe range, as well as supporting all the community initiatives that are deeply important to us. It’s all been about bringing people together and sharing the joy of Christmas. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on our momentum, growing our presence across the country and continuing to deliver the highest quality at the best prices on the market.” This update comes after Lidl revealed it experienced the highest growth in customer visits of any supermarket last year, as part of its FY23 results. As the fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket for over a year, shoppers switched half a billion pounds of spending to the discounter from other grocers, cementing its position as a leader in value and quality. Read more: INNOVATION, BRITISH SOURCING AND BEST VALUE DELIVER RECORD FESTIVE SALES FOR LIDL - Lidl Great Britain #smartdiscount #lidl #uk #growth #christmas #british #products #innovation #expansion #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Variety Retail Chain Wibra will further implement its ambitious growth plan in 2025. From February to May, the retailer opens an average of two stores per week. Wibra continues to expand in the second half of the year. With the further growth towards 350 stores, Wibra strengthens its position in the retail market. "We are constantly working on optimizing our store offer," says CEO Bas Duijsens. "By carefully researching suitable locations, we are further expanding our branch portfolio." In the coming months, Wibra will open stores in Muiden, Dordrecht, Heerhugowaard, Haarlem, Gouda, Groningen, Breda, Boxtel, Urk and Lisse, among others. New stores are also being opened in Belgium, including branches in Bertrix, Antwerp and Bilzen. Repurposing of buildings and renewed store conceptThe stores will be located in former Blokker buildings, among other places. Where possible, Wibra will retain the existing layout, which contributes to a sustainable repurposing of retail spaces. Wibra is also investigating the possibilities for cooperation with former employees of these buildings. In addition to the expansion, Wibra continues to invest in the renewal of its existing stores. This includes rebrandings, strategic relocations, and remodeling. It is expected that by 2025, about 100 Wibra stores, both new and existing, will have a fresh and contemporary look. True to missionWith this expansion, Wibra remains true to its mission: to make customers' daily lives easier. "We want to be a familiar part of the daily shopping routine," explains Bas Duijsens. "By locating our stores close by and offering an affordable range, we ensure that every household can participate. Our focus remains on healthy growth and we are happy to be able to take these important steps!" Read more: Wibra continues to grow: an average of 2 store openings per week #smartdiscount #wibra #netherlands #belgium #expansion #growth #development #store #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting

Discount Retail Chain Aldi UK has recorded its “best ever” Christmas, with total sales up 3.4% year on year in the four weeks to 24 December to top £1.6bn. Sales of seasonal Christmas products were up 10%, while shoppers trading up boosted sales of its premium Specially Selected range by 12%, according to a trading update from the discounter. Monday 23 December was Aldi UK’s busiest-ever trading day as it served nearly three million customers. It capped another “astonishing” year, in which Aldi overtook Asda to become the country’s second-largest supermarket by shopper numbers, the discounter said. Aldi has also reported strong sales of British products, with a record 350,000 fresh British turkeys sold, along with more than 400,000 of British beef and almost three million British brussels sprouts. Shoppers started festivities earlier than ever, according to the supermarket, with some spreading the cost by buying traditional favourites like Christmas cakes and puddings as early as September. The extended trend for treating saw shoppers buy around 50 million mince pies and around 25 million British pigs in blankets. Aldi UK CEO Giles Hurley used the trading update to renew the discounter’s promise to maintain a price gap compared with other supermarkets. “We dropped hundreds of prices last year as part of our ongoing mission to make outstanding-quality, affordable food accessible to everyone,” he said. “Our offering of outstanding-quality British products at unbeatable prices was a winning combination yet again this Christmas as customers wanted to celebrate in style after an uncertain year, but with more challenges ahead, they wanted to do it without breaking the bank.” He added: “We couldn’t have done any of this without the unwavering dedication of all our amazing colleagues and I want to thank each and every member of Team Aldi for serving our customers so well this Christmas. “As we look ahead to the new year, which for many will mean the prospect of living costs rising again, many families will be nervous about what 2025 holds. “Against this background, our mission remains clear: we will not only remain the UK’s lowest-priced supermarket, but we will ensure the price gap between ourselves and the traditional full-price supermarkets is as big as ever. “Because with so much uncertainty, what our customers want to know is that whatever they need, they will make significant savings, week in, week out, by shopping at Aldi.” It comes after rival discounter Lidl last week reported sales grew 7% year on year in the four weeks to 24 December to top £1bn for the first time. Read more: Aldi posts record Christmas sales of £1.6bn | News | The Grocer #smartdiscount #aldi #uk #christmas #sales #growth #customer #tickets #development #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Lidl UK has been given the green light for a rather unusual project in Northern Ireland: a real pub is being opened in Dundonald, a suburb of Belfast and inside a Lidl store. Lidl plans to invest 410,000 pounds: first supermarket pub defies legal hurdles The planned Lidl pub will have space for around 45 guests and will offer bottled beer, wine, cider and spirits in addition to freshly tapped beer. In addition, an off-licence area is planned where customers can buy alcoholic beverages that are usually found on the supermarket shelves. Lidl recently had to answer to the court in another case. According to the German Lebensmittelzeitung, Lidl had already planned the pub in 2020. However, the approval of the project was not without resistance. The company Philip Russell Ltd., operator of several drinks stores in Northern Ireland, filed a lawsuit against the construction of the discount pubs. The Russell stores are comparable to kiosks or Spätis in Germany. Lidl opens first pub in discount store: competitor criticizes project The drinks retailer argued that Lidl had not sufficiently proven that there was a shortage of licensed bars in the area a requirement under Northern Ireland's licensing laws, writes Sky News. These state that new licenses can only be granted if an existing license is surrendered. However, according to Sky News, the judge in charge rejected this argument. He emphasized that Lidl was able to prove that two pubs in the area had been closed, creating a gap in the offering. In addition, the new concept is well integrated into the existing infrastructure, as it is close to transport links and shopping facilities. The growing adult population in the region also speaks in favour of the project. "I am satisfied that this is a serious application and Lidl intends to operate the pub as a genuine on/off-licence business," the judge said, according to Sky News. Read more: Bier nach dem Einkauf: Lidl plant Kneipe im Supermarkt – Gericht urteilt #smartdiscount #lidl #UK #ireland #expansion #pub #bar #bier #traditional #blurring #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Action announced its sales development for 2024. Net sales grew to €13.8 billion in 2024, up 21.7% from 2023. Like-for-like sales (excluding new stores) grew by 10.3% thanks to more customers visiting existing stores. This underlines Action’s importance as a destination store for its customers to buy their daily necessities. In 2024, Action also added 352 stores, ending the year with a total number of 2,918 stores in 12 European countries. On average, 18.7 million customers visit an Action store every week. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Action continued to pass on price advantages to customers by reducing more than 650 product prices. This key principle of Action has led to significant customer growth. In 2024, Action’s sales growth was solely driven by volume. Hajir Hajji, CEO of Action: “In 2024, we welcomed an average of 18.7 million customers per week, 3.4 million more customers than the year before. Such customer growth is only possible with our strong formula and great teamwork. At Action, we truly put our customers first! This makes me both proud and grateful, and I would like to thank all my colleagues for their great work. It also makes me excited for this year, as we plan to welcome customers in two new countries, Switzerland and Romania. 2025 will be the first year that we enter two new markets in a single year!” During the first half of 2025, Action plans to open its first stores in Switzerland, both in the German and French-speaking regions, followed by the opening of the first Action store in Romania in the fall. Growth as an employer Action’s development leads to significant growth in the number of colleagues employed. In 2024, Action added 10,641 jobs, up from 8,988 new jobs in 2023. The company now employs a total of 79,681 colleagues of 151 nationalities. Action is investing significantly in development opportunities. Last year, 3,507 colleagues were promoted to a new position, up from 3,183 in 2023. This allows Action to retain expertise and experience, strengthening the Action culture as our colleagues benefit from the opportunity to take on more responsibilities. Action established the Action Scholarship Fund to help colleagues finance part of their children’s educational needs. The scholarship fund is open to all Action employees. In 2024 Action supported 179 Action families in seven countries with scholarships for educational expenses such as tuition fees, tutoring and learning materials. Progress in the Action Sustainability Programme Action has made considerable progress with the Action Sustainability Programme. Among other things, the company is expanding its existing Fairtrade partnership and will be the first international retailer to commit to paying the Living Income Reference Price for cocoa for all of Action’s own chocolate brands (like Choco Moments). The required investment will significantly increase Action’s existing Fairtrade contribution. Action will assume all additional costs, so consumer prices will not be affected. Action has already been selling Fairtrade certified chocolate for all of Action’s own chocolate brands since 2022. This ensures farmers can invest in, for instance, more sustainable farming methods. By extending the existing partnership and paying a living income premium over the next three years, Action and Fairtrade are establishing a new ‘Action x Fairtrade Cocoa Fund’. The fund, set up to help farmers and their families from two cocoa cooperatives in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire earn a living income, will, for example, finance educational opportunities. Action will publish its Annual Update, a comprehensive performance update including the progress of the Action Sustainability Programme, on 20 March 2025. Action 2024 net sales grow 21.7% to €13.8 billion; like-for-like growth 10.3% - Action #smartdiscount #action #europe #netherlands #expansion #privatelabel #ebit #revenue #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain SCRM - Lidl International Hub, Eduardo Sánchez-Colorado Riera-Marsá, the CEO and Founder of this innovative hub shared invaluable insights into how Lidl is revolutionizing the retail landscape through cutting-edge digital innovation and strategic foresight. Several key ideas emerged that truly encapsulate the essence of Lidl's transformative journey in the retail sector: Fifth largest distributor in the world: With a staggering €167.2 billion in sales, Lidl has achieved a remarkable growth rate of 8.5%, positioning itself as the fifth largest distributor globally. This impressive achievement is primarily attributed to the company's relentless commitment to constant innovation and its ability to adapt swiftly to the ever-evolving needs and preferences of consumers. By staying attuned to market trends and consumer behaviour, Lidl has managed to carve out a significant niche in the highly competitive retail environment. Transforming retail from Barcelona: At the forefront of this transformation is SCRM, which leads several pioneering projects that are redefining the retail experience. Initiatives such as Lidl Plus, a customer loyalty program designed to enhance shopping convenience, Lidl Pay, which simplifies payment processes, and click & pick, an innovative approach to online shopping, are just a few examples of how SCRM is spearheading change. Additionally, their focus on marketing automation is revolutionizing how Lidl engages with its customers, ensuring that communication is both timely and relevant. Lean Startup in Action: The operational philosophy at SCRM is rooted in the principles of the Lean Startup methodology. This approach emphasizes rapid testing on a small scale, allowing the team to gather valuable feedback quickly. By breaking down complex problems into manageable tasks, SCRM empowers its teams to make agile decisions that drive progress and innovation. This culture of experimentation and adaptability is crucial in a fast-paced retail environment where consumer preferences can shift rapidly. From startup to strategic pillar: SCRM has undergone a remarkable evolution since its inception as a small startup. Today, it stands as a strategic pillar within Lidl's broader digital strategy, playing a crucial role in shaping the company's future direction. This transition highlights the importance of agility and innovation in the retail sector, demonstrating how a small, nimble team can grow to become integral to a large organization’s success. Digitalization, leadership, and talent: These three pillars are fundamentally reshaping the retail industry. Digitalization is not just a trend; it is a necessity for survival in today's market. Coupled with strong leadership that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, and a focus on attracting and retaining top talent, Lidl is well-positioned to navigate the challenges of the retail landscape. This triad of focus areas is not only changing Lidl but also setting new standards for the industry as a whole. #smartdiscount #lidl #schwarzgroup #spain #lidlplus #loyalty #scrm #expansion #growth #digitalisation #leadership #startup #logistics #lean #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google