Minden-Hannover, Edeka's co-operative chain, will roll out Valuephone mobile payment technology to 100 Berlin supermarkets, according to local reports. Edeka plans to utilize the same technology as is used in its Netto discount subsidiary. Edeka began trials of the mobile payment system in a Berlin hypermarket in the autumn of 2012.
The move to in-store mobile technology follows a strong year for the Minden-Hannover chain: in 2012, sales rose by 3.7% to €7.2 billion. During the year, the retailer invested €303 million in the expansion of logistics operations, the creation of new retail space and the modernization of existing stores. The number of employees also increased during the period, with a further 2570 members of staff added to the payroll, bringing the total to 65,500.
Edeka Redistributes Netto Management Duties
In other Edeka news, the Group's discount division, Netto Marken-Discount has redistributed its top management responsibilities amongst current board members following the sudden death of former managing director Franz Pröls a fortnight ago. Pröls' duties will be reallocated amongst executive board members - Claus Leitl, currently responsible for Administration and IT will also take on Buying and Human Resources and Martin Schnellinger will take over Sales on top of his Controls and Logistics duties. Manfred Karl will remain as Head of Expansion.
