The Lidl and Kaufland retail chains have opened several new branches. In the 2024/25 financial year, around 300 new locations worldwide, as the Schwarz Group, to which the companies belong, announced in Neckarsulm near Heilbronn.
This continues the expansion: In recent years, Lidl and Kaufland have steadily expanded their branch network. In total, they now operate around 14,200 shops in 32 countries.
The group of company founders Dieter Schwarz also cost this more: despite the tense economic situation, it invested 8.6 billion euros – 7.5 percent more than in the previous year. Of these, 3.3 billion euros flowed to Germany. The money was therefore mainly invested in the branch expansion, the expansion of storage locations and the capacity of data centers in Europe. In the current financial year, investments are expected to grow to 9.6 billion euros, including EUR 3.7 billion in Germany.
4,000 new jobs in Germany
At the same time, the group created around 20,000 new jobs in all areas – including 4,000 in Germany. The total number of employees increased to around 595,000. Even at a time of global uncertainties, they had been growing and further invested in Germany and a digital sovereign Europe, said Schwarz boss Gerd Chrzanowski.
At the discount giant Lidl, the proceeds climbed 5.3 percent to 132.1 billion euros. Kaufland came up with sales of 35.2 billion euros (plus 2.9 percent). The companies are stagnating online – and together implemented 1.7 billion euros. The group did not provide any information. The financial year lasts from the beginning of March to the end of February of the following year.
In April, Kaufland was criticized after the “Stern” and the RTL program “Team Wallraff” had uncovered hygiene defects in several branches in Germany. Among other things, it was about manipulated durability data, defective freezers, mold and pest infestation. Kaufland temporarily closed two branches and announced a basic cleaning of all German locations and the exchange of cooling devices. In addition, the chain pulled personnel consequences and got external experts.
Almost all of them divisions with sales plus
The Schwarz Group generated a total of 4.9 percent sales and landed at 175.4 billion euros. In addition to the two chains, the disposal and recycling company Prezero, which belongs to the group, also contributed to sales with 3.9 billion euros. The IT and digital division came to a proceeds of 1.9 billion euros
- And was at the previous year’s level.
On the other hand, the approximately 4.6 billion euros, which landed in the cash register for Lidl and Kaufland, were offset internally. Among other things, the group has its own beverage producer and a baked goods manufacturer. Last year, a new nut roasting in Rheine also started operating.