Dutch retailer Albert Heijn is set to pull out of the German market, where it operates the convenience store banner Albert Heijn To Go, according to Lebensmittel Zeitung.
The retailer is reported to be closing its six standalone stores and five forecourt stores by the end of March 2018.
According to the supermarket company, which is owned by retail giant Ahold Delhaize, the chain does not have enough scope for growth in Germany.
“The stores present modest growth, but considering our current set-up this does not present enough future opportunities for a sustainable company,” Albert Heijn spokesperson Anoesjka Aspelagh told Distrifood.
"Since 2012, we have been working with Albert Heijn To Go in Germany and have taken ample time to see if the formula works. So it has not been a light-minded decision."
Convenience Market
Market competition is high in Germany. In July, Edeka Südbayern launched its new convenience store format, Edeka Xpress, while Rewe has been expanding its 'Rewe To Go' network in partnership with Aral petrol stations.
Earlier this week it was reported that Aldi Süd could be considering a new convenience concept, with the creation of a small format store in city centre locations.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
