Record turnover for Lidl owner: over 100 billion euros

The German Schwarz Group has achieved a 100 billion euro turnover, for the very first time. Unsurprisingly, Lidl makes up 80 % of that result, as American turnover continues to grow. Kaufland however performs less well.

100 billion euro turnover

Schwarz had never before generated a 100 billion euro turnover, but this time the pointer went up to 104.3 billion. Lidl was good for 81.2 billion euro in turnover, a 10 % rise compared to the year before as Americans seem to have embraced the discounter. Klaus Gehrig had bad news as well: Kaufland needs to be reorganised and will have to produce more synergies with Lidl.

2018 was a year of growth, with 400 more stores (to more than 12,000) and 23,000 more employees (to 429,000). International activities grew 9.1 % to 67.3 billion euros and continue to gain importance. The group is already present in thirty countries worldwide (Europe, the United States, Australia), with Serbia the latest addition to the list. Other areas of growth are online and recycling (after the acquisition of waste disposal company Tönsmeier).