German retailer Edeka says it plans to expand its current network of 4,500 franchised stores further and organically in 2012, with the planned addition of around 200 full-range outlets.
'Our core business is in full-range businesses operated by independent retailers,' explained Edeka chief executive Markus Mosa.
'This provides the successful model in terms of our future potential in the food retail business.'
The company plans to continue its policy of investing around €1bn every year to expand its retail network in Germany.
Speaking ahead of Expo Real, the largest international trade fair for commercial real estate, which takes place in Munich on 4-6 October, the group's head of corporate communications Michaela Fischer-Zernin said each outlet would be tailored to its individual, local market.
'As the largest local neighborhood retailer in Germany, it is our aim to develop the best concept for eah individual site, from supermarkets focused on freshness and convenience to the large-scale consumer markets offering a special taste experience,' she commented.
