German Supermarket Chain Shuts Down Multiple Branches
In a recent announcement, Tegut, a medium-sized supermarket chain with around 340 branches and approximately 7,700 employees, has revealed that its branch located in the Market shopping center in Hallstadt will close on September 28, 2025. This closure is part of a larger trend facing many supermarkets in Germany.
Tegut is not alone in this struggle. The company is closing several branches, including locations in Hallstadt near Bamberg and Ludwigsburg in Baden-Württemberg. Some other supermarket chains are also closing several branches due to financial difficulties.
The challenges facing supermarkets in Germany are numerous. Supply chains are becoming increasingly unstable, leading to delivery delays, product shortages, and higher import costs. Supermarket chains are experiencing intense pressure due to rising operating costs, higher energy prices, and persistent inflation.
A labor shortage is another significant issue. Supermarkets are finding it hard to find enough skilled workers for sales, logistics, and administration. The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to these financial difficulties faced by Tegut.
Despite these challenges, Tegut remains optimistic and is undergoing a restructuring program. The company, which is part of the Swiss Migros cooperative, is known for its wide range of products, including a high proportion of organic items.
Consumers may notice changes in supermarkets, such as reduced opening hours and more closed locations. However, the Tegut supermarket location in the Market shopping center in Hallstadt will be permanently closed on September 28, 2025. No other specific store closures for 2025 have been definitively announced yet. Further closures depend on strategic, economic, and contractual factors and cannot be precisely predicted at this time.
As supermarkets navigate these challenges, they are responding by raising prices and seeking ways to become more efficient. Smaller and medium-sized supermarkets, however, are finding it difficult to compete with larger chains due to better conditions with suppliers and the ability to more easily offset costs.
In conclusion, the closure of the Tegut branch in Hallstadt is a reflection of the wider struggles faced by supermarkets in Germany. Consumers and employees alike will be impacted by these changes, and it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt in the coming years.
