METRO Germany is driving the transformation of wholesale stores into multichannel platforms

30 September 2024

Wholesale stores in Germany are being tailored even more closely to the needs of professional customers, with the focus on modernising the stores and expanding the delivery service

Conversion of stationary wholesale stores into Multichannel Fulfilment Centres (MFCs)

METRO Germany recently opened its wholesale stores in Regensburg and Ludwigshafen to customers after extensive remodelling and modernisation work as part of the group-wide multichannel strategy. The core elements of the remodelling are newly designed store space, product ranges that are even more closely tailored to the needs of professional customers, the installation of sustainable cooling systems and the expansion of delivery areas. For example, the space available for the delivery service at both locations has been significantly increased to around 3,000 square metres by redesignating previous store sales floor as delivery zones.

METRO is thus consistently driving forward the transformation of wholesale stores in Germany, one of the group's most important markets, into high-performance multichannel platforms. By the end of the year, a total of 8 stores will have already been converted to the new concept. “The investments in our wholesale stores are an important step in the consistent implementation of the sCore growth strategy with a clear focus on the needs of our customers in combination with an expanded delivery service. With the modernisation, we want to offer them an even more relevant assortment and improved services, while at the same time simplifying workflows in the wholesale store for our employees,” says Frank Jäniche, Managing Director Sales METRO Germany.

As part of the sCore growth strategy, METRO is consistently pursuing its ambition of transforming itself into a focused multichannel wholesaler. A key component of this strategy is the conversion of stationary wholesale stores into Multichannel Fulfilment Centres (MFCs), which combine in-store purchasing and delivery service. This will allow the stores to be used not only as points of sale but also as high-performance warehouses and delivery platforms, enabling a significant increase in operational efficiency. The delivery service is a central growth driver within the sCore strategy. The ambition is to triple delivery sales across the group by 2030.

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