Fewer and fewer supermarkets

There are fewer supermarkets in Austria, according to a recent study showing various chains that operate in the country have reduced their number of outlets.

RegioData counted 5,000 stores compared to 5,700 in 2004 and says this reduction of 12% is due to retailers optimizing their networks after years of expansion.

The agency noted the lack of supermarkets in about 28% of cities in Austria. Rewe International, the Austrian subsidiary of the German group Rewe, is market leader, ahead of Spar and Hofer. Rewe operates Billa, ADEG, Penny and Merkur.

source : austrian independent