By Anna Polyviou
Almost 15 years after Lidl Cyprus entered the Cypriot market, the company is set to open its 21st store in Paphos, specifically in Neon Mall.
The arrival of the German retail chain Lidl, part of the Schwarz Group—one of the leading food retailers in Germany and Europe—transformed the shopping landscape in Cyprus.
Lidl Cyprus
Lidl launched in Cyprus in 2010, opening its first seven stores. It quickly became one of the largest supermarket groups on the island. Currently, Lidl Cyprus employs over 700 people and boasts one of the largest distribution centers in the country.
Lidl Cyprus was recently awarded the title of "No. 1 company in Cyprus for best value for money" by the independent International Certification Association (ICERTIAS). It also won "Retail Business of the Year 2023" at the Cyprus Retail Sales Awards, securing a total of 12 awards. Additionally, the company has been recognized as a "leading employer" in Cyprus and Europe for the seventh consecutive year, commended for its inclusive and friendly work environment with equal opportunities.
To date, Lidl Cyprus has invested over €225 million on the island. Over the next three years, it plans to invest an additional €30 million in its network of stores and warehouses.
Lidl operates more than 12,350 stores across Europe, employing over 350,000 people, and has more than 225 distribution centers in 31 countries. Since 2017, Lidl has also had a presence in the US.
The green transition
Lidl is intensifying efforts to reduce its energy footprint, being one of the first retail companies to prioritize energy management. As a member of the Schwarz Group, it aims to reduce plastic use by 30%, achieve 25% average recycled plastic content, and ensure maximum recyclability for 100% of private label packaging by 2025. By 2030, Lidl aims to halve food waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2019 levels.
Sklavenitis-Papantoniou
Competition among major supermarket chains in Cyprus is heating up with a new deal shaking the market. Papantoniou supermarkets are now part of the Greek supermarket group Sklavenitis. This merger, formalized by Sklavenitis Cyprus, adds the nine Papantoniou stores to Sklavenitis’s 18 existing outlets, bringing their total to 27. Importantly, Sklavenitis will retain all 769 employees of the Papantoniou group.
The Papantoniou group stated that the cooperation aims to provide high-quality products at the lowest prices and excellent customer service. This merger underscores Sklavenitis’s commitment to retail development and confidence in the Cypriot economy, benefiting consumers and workers alike.
Alphamega Supermarkets
Alphamega Hypermarkets operates 19 stores across Cyprus, including convenience stores and an online store. The company employs over 2,200 workers and has been certified three times with the Investors in People Standard. It has also won numerous awards. Notably, Alphamega was the first retail company in Cyprus to undergo a digital transformation, with all its activities now conducted digitally.
[This article was translated from its Greek original]
