German discount retailer Aldi Süd is set to withdraw from the Greek market by May 2011 at the latest, despite only launching operations in the country in November 2008.
Information held by Planet Retail has suggested that the group has already informed staff in the country of its plans, and it will shortly begin closing outlets while also discussing sales with interested parties.
'Aldi Süd intends to discontinue its operation of 38 stores in Greece,' the group told Planet Retail, while also noting that it was 'in talks with interested parties for the acquisition and continuation of activities'.
The discounter's decision to enter Greece was championed by former executives Armin Burger and Konstantinos Rozos, who both left the company last year, leaving reported discontent at Aldi Süd over the group's entry into smaller European markets such as Greece, Hungary and Slovenia.
