Germany: Albert Heijn to exit market

Albert Heijn, the Netherlands’ leading grocery retailer, is planning to leave the German market with the closure of its handful of convenience store outlets in the country in the first quarter of next year.

The Dutch supermarket chain entered the German market in 2012 via the convenience store banner Albert Heijn to Go, currently operating six standalone outlets and five forecourt stores in Shell petrol stations in the country. These are now set to close by the end of March 2018.

Ongoing tenancy agreements reportedly preclude an earlier exit.

Albert Heijn spokesperson Anoesjka Aspelagh said: “The stores present modest growth, but considering our current set-up this does not present enough future opportunities for a sustainable company”.

The Dutch firm has faced stiff competition in the convenience space in Germany, particularly from domestic rivals Edeka and Rewe who operate the Edeka Xpress and Rewe To Go banners respectively.

Source: Retailytics / ESM