Metro whips up a sandstorm in Egypt

Planet Retail 20 May 2008 

German retailer and wholesaler Metro Group is preparing to enter Egypt with its chain of cash & carries. The first store is scheduled to open in late 2009, as part of an initial plan to open up to 10 stores costing some EUR15 million (USD23.2 million) each. Longer term, Metro believes that the market has the potential for more than 20 cash & carries. Each outlet will create more than 250 jobs whilst more than 100 additional positions will be required to staff its head office.

As the Metro banner is already used by Egyptian retailer Metro Market Trading & Distribution, the stores are likely to trade under the Makro fascia, which is already well known in several European countries.

With the planned market entry into Egypt, Metro is now further expanding its presence into the Middle East and North Africa market - a very promising growth region for retailers. At the same time it underscores its position as the most international operator in the cash & carry channel with wholesale activities in 30 countries.

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See also "Metro plans up to 10 Cash & Carry stores in Egypt" Reuters May 19, 2008 http://uk.reuters.com/article/consumerProducts/idUKL1816757320080519