As one of the most important discounters in Germany, Aldi Nord could have set the ball rolling, encouraging other supermarkets to reduce their opening hours in order to save energy. Other dealers could follow if the competition also joins in.
Famila and Combi close earlier
The supermarkets Famila and Combi, which are primarily known in northern Germany, will shorten their opening hours, as will Aldi Nord. The discounter surprised with its announcement that it would close the markets at 8 p.m. from November. Many branches are normally open until 9 or 10 p.m. The Bünting trading group has now announced that that some branches of Famila and Combi will also close earlier. That should happen from November. “We take our supply mandate seriously and act in a market- and customer-oriented manner at the respective locations” (source: NWZ).
Already in the past, the trading group Bünting worked in advance and purchased solar systems and energy-saving cooling systems and assembled in order to reduce the large item of energy costs. According to NDR information, the spokeswoman assumes that most markets will participate. It was not said what the new opening hours would look like. Most Famila and Combi supermarkets close around 9pm. Sometimes even at 8 p.m. Presumably one will orientate oneself there at Aldi.
How you save money when shopping:
What say REWE, Lidl or Kaufland?
Aldi has already changed its mind compared to a few days ago. At that time it was still said that the opening hours of the markets would not be shortened. Lidl did not want to comment on the current discussion. Kaufland wants to focus on the needs of customers and REWE has no plans to close earlier. The supermarkets will therefore remain open until 10 p.m. and sometimes even midnight. Time will tell if anything will change when the consumer climate in Germany is at a low point. Maybe the opinion of the other shops will change then. We keep an eye on the situation for you.
Don’t want to miss any more news about technology, games and pop culture? No current tests and guides? Then follow us on Facebook or Twitter.