The UNI Group, consisting of Unimarkt Handelsgesellschaft, UNIWholesale, and UNILogistik, faced challenges this year. Despite the closure of the online shops within the group, which were not profitable, the concept of autonomous UNIBoxes was also unsuccessful due to lack of profitability and resulted in their closure. However, the know-how gained from this venture will be utilized in Nah&Frisch hybrid markets within the group. With a total of 23 Nah&Frisch hybrid locations at the end of the financial year, an expansion plan for 16 more locations is in place for the upcoming year.
In addition to these challenges, all Unimarkt branches are set to be converted into franchises by 2024/25, with 65 out of 124 locations already being managed by franchise partners. Despite these difficulties, the group achieved total sales of around 474 million euros during the financial year 2023/24, showing a promising increase from the previous year.
The UNIGroup consists of several companies including Unimarkt Handels GmbH and UniWholesale. The group also has a 50% ownership stake in convenience supplier unik which achieved sales of 87 million euros in the previous financial year. With around 3,100 employees, the group remains focused on sustainable growth and strategic expansion amidst challenges in finding employees.
Overall, while facing challenges this year with unprofitable online shops and autonomous UNIBoxes closing down due to lack of profitability; The UNIGroup remained focused on achieving sustainable growth and strategic expansion through its hybrid stores and other ventures.
