Plus (German supermarket)

'Plus was a German supermarket chain that operated in several European countries before being absorbed by other retail entities. It was known for its discount prices and a wide range of products, including food, beverages, and household items. Plus was a part of the Tengelmann Group, a multinational retail company.

History

Plus began its operations in Germany in the 1970s as a discount supermarket chain. It quickly expanded its reach within Germany and later into other European countries. The supermarket chain was recognized for its compact store layout, focusing on essential products and offering them at competitive prices. This business model allowed Plus to grow rapidly and establish a significant presence in the European retail market.

In the late 2000s, Plus underwent a series of changes and rebranding efforts. In some countries, its stores were rebranded under the name of local or parent company brands. For example, in Germany, many Plus stores were converted into Netto Marken-Discount stores after the acquisition of Plus's German operations by the Edeka Group in 2008. Similarly, in other countries, Plus stores were either sold to other retailers or rebranded, marking the end of the Plus brand in the European retail landscape.

Operations

Plus operated as a typical discount supermarket, offering a limited assortment of products compared to full-service supermarkets. The product range included private label brands, which were often priced lower than national brands, allowing customers to save money. Plus also offered weekly specials on various products, from groceries to non-food items, which attracted a significant number of customers looking for deals.

The store layout was designed to be simple and efficient, with products displayed in their shipping cartons to reduce restocking time and costs. This approach also contributed to the low-price strategy of Plus.

Expansion and Market Presence

Throughout its operation, Plus expanded into several European countries, including Italy, Hungary, Poland, and Spain. Each country's operations were adapted to fit the local market conditions and consumer preferences, although the core discount strategy remained consistent across all locations.

Legacy

The legacy of Plus lives on through the stores that were rebranded or absorbed into other supermarket chains. The Plus model of discount retailing influenced the strategies of other discount supermarkets in Europe. Its emphasis on low prices, efficient operations, and a no-frills shopping experience set standards within the discount retail sector.

See Also

• Discount store
• Supermarket
• Retail
• Edeka Group
• Netto Marken-Discount