After three months of work, Metro Group has completed the refurbishment of 30 of its Real hypermarkets in Germany, Lebensmittel Zeitung reports. The stores have been converted to its new concept along the lines of the Real store at the Kronenberg-Center in Essen.

In addition to the introduction of new regional products as well as new convenience products, product categories have been completely rearranged. The layout has become better defined through wider aisles and lower shelf heights. The concept now features higher-quality service counters for meat, charcuterie, cheese and bread. Furthermore, the non-food sector has been rearranged by theme. Total refurbishment investments will amount to EUR500 mn over the next three years. In addition to the modernisation of well-performing sites, there will be further closures of unprofitable stores.

The comprehensive modernisation is a necessary attempt to bring the banner back on track and to guarantee a sustainable future. Real intends to realise a turnaround in sales and earnings by 2016. The company is targeting an EBIT margin of 2% and like-for-like sales increases of the same amount.

Source: www.planetretail.net