Metro China expands in Hunan

Metro China has opened its second store in Changsha, one of the most economically competitive cities in midwest China, featuring the new generation Cash & Carry concept.

“With a booming tourism industry and transformation to a new industrial structure, Changsha has seen a steady growth of economy in recent years,” said Jeroen de Groot, Metro China president.

“We see great potential in the local market, and are confident about expanding our business here by opening the second store in the city.”

Metro stepped into the Hunan market in 2001 with the opening of its first wholesale store in Kaifu District in Changsha. In 2014, Metro opened the Zhuzhou store. The new store in Yuelu District of Changsha is the chain’s third store in Hunan province and this year the company will also modernise the Changsha Kaifu Store to enhance customer experience.

Changsha is the political, economic and cultural center of Hunan Province. This year, the State Council issued an approval for establishing Xiangjiang New Area in Hunan, which will be the first national new area established in central China. With its new store, Metro believes it has seized the opportunity to continue its expansion, while growing together with the economy of central China.

Metro has built close relationships with Hunan local suppliers. Jinhao Teaseed Oil, Shengxiang Rice and Liuyanghe Liquor from Hunan are popular with the retailer’s customers nationwide. Meanwhile, local vegetables and fruits such as Yaoshan Pear, Yongxing Orange, Xiangxi Kiwifruit and Yanling Yellow Peaches are sold in Metro Hunan stores for local customers’ selection.

Located in Yuelu business center, Metro’s new store covers a sales area of over 5300 sqm, offering nearly 20,000 items.

A distinct feature of the Metro Changsha Yuelu store is the coldness in food related display areas, as cold chain is crucial to food freshness and high quality. The store has multi-temperature areas to meet the demand of different products, such as 0°C – 4°C for fresh meat, 5°C-7°C for dairy products, etc. If customers want to walk into the cold storage areas to select products, they may borrow clean cotton-padded jackets, prepared by the store.

The new Cash & Carry concept Metro is rolling out in China includes features such as an onsite cafe, Welfare & Gifting Showroom, Express Delivery and complimentary Wi-Fi coverage.

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