The aim is to keep as many of the «gifts» of the coronavirus pandemic as possible and already the sales trend in the first 45 days of 2021 is very encouraging, as the growth rate recorded in the first nine months of 2020 continues. It is recalled that in a year economic suffocation the supermarkets have managed to achieve double-digit sales growth rate near +10%. But no one can make any safe predictions about what will happen when and if the restrictions on the dispersion of COVID-19 become a thing of the past.
Either way, the big players in the organized food retailing, have already made their investment plans for this year, which for most of them are focused on in organic growth, namely the enlargement of their physical store networks, the strengthening of their digital channel (e-shop) and the expansion of their logistics centres.
Especially for the online shopping, the chains' managements are convinced that this is not a passing fad. After all, according to the latest survey by Institute for Research on Consumer Goods Retailing (IELKA), 25% of consumers now buy electronic food and other items supermarket, while the corresponding figure in 2019 was just under 2%.
Slavenite
With a huge turnover (in 2020 it is estimated to have exceeded €3.7 billion at group level) and a large distance from the second player (controlling almost 30% of the market), the Greek Hypermarkets Sklavenitis (EYS) plans to open five new stores this year (Patras, Skiathos, Sparta, Naoussa and Giannitsa), the relocation of two points in Trikala and Karditsa, as well as about 30-40 renovations in the old network of the Slavenite. Already the operation of the new 1,200 sq.m. store of the chain in Giannitsa started on 9/2. As for the e-shop, according to information, by Easter it will be «up» in Thessaloniki.
AB Vassilopoulos
Η AB Vassilopoulos, a subsidiary of the Dutch group Ahold Delhaize, is to invest around EUR 50 million in 2021. The same amount was invested in chain investments and 2020, which focused on network development, the renovation of existing stores, distribution centres and digitalisation. For this year, the chain is planning the opening of 8-10 new corporate stores, while around 30 will be new franchise stores.
Lidl
Shortly before the first hard discount stores of the Russian MERE open, the only discount chain in the supermarket sector in Greece, Lidl, remains firm in its policy of autonomous growth through the implementation of high cost investments.
By 2023 Lidl has planned total investments of EUR 350 million. Already last year two new stores were added to its network and this year four new stores will start operating. In addition, the chain's plans include the creation of a new logistics centre.
METRO
For 2021, the group Metro AEBE (My Market and Metro Cash & Carry) is planning investments of €35 million, which include the expansion of the distribution centers in Thessaloniki and Oinofita, the establishment of 6-8 new stores, as well as the creation of an online store for the needs of wholesale customers currently served through Metro Cash & Carry stores.
Masoutis
For this year, the North Helladic chain Masoutis is planning investments of EUR 20 million, which will include new stores as well as renovations of existing stores. At the same time, strengthening the digital channel is now part of the chain's strategic growth plan for the coming period.
