Metro Group-owned Makro Cash & Carry has announced plans to make significant changes to its operations in the Netherlands, which will see it cut jobs by 600 over the next three years.
Makro intends to invest €50 million in revamping its business and transforming its 17 existing branches into what it describes as ‘unique marketplaces’.
Kef van Helbergen, Managing Director at Makro Netherlands, explained, "Our new store concept offers an enhanced shopping experience. This will lead to more visits to our stores. Makro also wants to be an inspiring place where entrepreneurs can come over to work or meet each other."
Makro says it aims to respond the changing needs of independent businesses and new companies, which is which it will offer work stations, meeting rooms and support services. It also plans to organize in-store networking events.
It will also offer space in its stores to other businesses, so that they can offer their own unique services and products at both permanent and temporary 'shop-in-shops'.
While Makro admits that the new strategy is expected to see the loss of 600 jobs over three years, Van Helbergen says that the changes will be made in a "responsible, careful and respectful way."
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Jenny Whelan. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
