German hard discounter Lidl has announced plans to invest HRK 250 million (€32.7 million) in its Croatian unit in 2015.
Last year, Lidl Hrvatska, in cooperation with local suppliers, exported over HRK 40 million (€5.2 million) in Croatian products. Also in 2014, the retailer launched a 'development potential' project, a special program of individual and professional development for Lidl store managers to provide them with broader management capabilities and leadership.
Earlier this year, Lidl Hrvatska, for the first time, issued a Health newsletter aimed at educating and counseling employees on healthy lifestyles and proper nutrition, and all of its staff have been provided with a free physical examination.
On 1 March, the retailer raised salaries of employees by 4.83%, continuing the trend of annual salary increases that began in 2010. Not surprisingly, Lidl Hrvatska has positioned itself among the most desirable employers in Croatia.
Through its programs of corporate social responsibility, Lidl Hrvatska this year donated more than HRK 1.5 million (€196.000) through financial resources and products and plans to continue donor programs during the current business year.
Since entering the Croatian market in 2006, Lidl has opened 86 stores and two distribution centers, and employs over 1,700.
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic
