CHINA: Metro launches c-store | Progresiv
Metro Cash & Carry China has revealed that it will accelerate the development of its franchise business and introduce its convenience store brand MyMart to China this year. 
Metro is planning to open two MyMart stores in Shanghai this year and more store openings are scheduled in other cities across China.
Jeroen de Groot, president of Metro China, said, "the convenience store market in China is very attractive but still quite immature...We would like to expedite our franchise businesses by looking at reliable and experienced partners in Shanghai as well as other cities to accelerate the growth."
The company currently operates 84 outlets in 57 cities in China, and it also looks to open more stores and smaller stores in the next five years.
The convenience store format presents a huge growth opportunity and the sector is outperforming other grocery retail formats amid China’s sluggish economy. This is driven by rapid urbanisation, smaller family size and rising affluence levels of Chinese shoppers.
Yet the market is becoming increasingly competitive. Pan-Asian c-store operators; including 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson are expanding their presence in China significantly, while domestic players are gaining tractions in local regions. Metro will also compete directly with other “big box” players, such as Carrefour, who also looks to capitalise the growth potential in convenience and launched its Carrefour Easy format in Shanghai last year. (www.igd.com)
