MediaMarkt takes on franchise rivals with new partner model

MediaMarkt wants to expand its store network with independent entrepreneurs. The electronics chain is launching a new partnership model in which local retailers will operate the stores. The first locations are set to open in mid-2027 in Germany, followed by an international rollout.

Keeping a tight leash

“We provide the store, the brands, the product assortments, and the composition of the product range,” explains Marcus Tengler, vice president of real estate and store concepts, to the German Lebensmittel Zeitung. MediaMarkt thus retains control of the commercial operations: the chain remains the owner of the inventory, records the sales revenue, and manages the central commercial systems.