At least 50 million euros have been invested in its design Metro AEBE for 2023, attachments related to the expansion of the network of stores, warehouse space, installation photovoltaic systems. However, a growing number of digital apps for both in-store and out-of-store purchases are playing a central role in the chain’s investment program, while the company wants to attract younger consumers as well, as Metro AEBE CEO Aristotle Panteliadis characteristically said yesterday, “Generation Z he needs to talk to computers more than people.”

In addition, the continuation of investments, which in the period 2019-2023 amount to 187 million euros, thanks to the upward trajectory followed by the company, with 2022 breaking the barrier of 1.5 billion euros for the first time in terms of sales and its profitability. will exceed 28 million euros.

In particular, the investment concerns strengthening the network with 25 new stores in 2023, most of which will be small convenience stores with extended opening hours. These are My Market Locals, which are developed using a franchise method, and the company wants to develop a total of 100 by 2025. According to Mr. Ara, the goal is considered achievable. Panteliadis, as the company receives about 100 inquiries per month from interested franchisees.

Second, in August, the company will continue to integrate its two platforms, the www.mymarket.gr website and the eshop.mymarket.gr online store, in order to maximize traffic to the latter. In addition, the online store, which currently serves eight cities, will be able to serve customers in more cities in the near future. It is noted that the turnover of the My Market online store currently corresponds to 2.5% of the total turnover of the network.

The chain wants to open 100 convenience stores by 2025.

However, new digital conveniences will also be provided to consumers in stores. So, by the end of May, the company will install screens in six stores as a pilot application through which consumers can order cheeses and cold cuts, instead of waiting in line to ask for them, and will receive notifications via Viber while they continue. their purchases in the store that their order is ready. On the screen, the consumer also reads information about each product, which will help him in his choice, instead of asking the corresponding employee. In June, the installation of self-service checkouts will begin on a pilot basis in two stores of the network.

As part of its investment, Metro AEBE is also embarking on a second wholesale store in Cyprus under the “Best Value for Professionals” brand, this time in Nicosia, expected to open in 2024. has completed construction of a new distribution center in Thessaloniki with an area of ​​43,200 sqm, but is still planning to establish a distribution center of a similar size in Aspropyrgos. Investments that are not included in the €50 million investment in 2023 are themselves valued at €50 million.

Regarding accuracy, Mr. Panteliadis noted that price lists with price increases are still coming in, but less in number and intensity, since they provide for increases of up to 5%. At the same time, prices are also falling, mainly for vegetable oils, stationery and cow’s milk products. The head of Metro did not hesitate to touch on the issue of recruitment, saying that there are currently 1,147 jobs vacant in the company, while he asked the next government to be less interventionist and make decisions that are feasible.