Makro opens in Egypt
German retailer Metro Group is now expanding its operations into the African continent by opening the first cash and carry store under the Makro brand in Cairo, Egypt. The store will be about 10.000 square meters and offer more than 20.000 different food and non-food products and will target professionals in trade, hospitality and business companies. As this is the first store of its kind it will make available a new range of products to the Egyptian market, which have never been available before. Makro states, that it will source up 90 % of goods offered from local producers and suppliers. If things go well Makro has plans to expand its operations in Egypt to 20 stores resulting in the company being present in all major cities and governorates.
UNI Commerce views the opening of the Makro store as welcome addition to the rapidly developing Egyptian economy as the comapny can bring modern business models into the Egyptian economy and the Egyptian labour market. Due to the fact that UNI Commerce Global Union has established a very well working global social dialogue with Metro Group, UNI Commerce expects that the good relationship will travel with Makro into Egypt. The Nort African market is not necessarily an easy market to operate in (South African retailer Shoprite had to give up its operations in Egypt) but all the reason to establish and develop a social dialogue with UNI Commerce and its affiliated unions in the region.
With the opening of the store in Cairo Makro will be operating in 31 countries and Metro Group thus demonstrates its commitment to continued international expansion. In order to strenghten its expansionist plans a new structure has been adopted, splitting in two sections one for Europa and MENA region (Middle East North Africa) and Asia/New Markets. Continued expansion is part of the "Shape 2012" restructering programme which was initiated last year, and according both to the company and independent analysts it has already yielded bonuses.
Read the press statement by clicking here.