Rolling Out Red: Media Markt Overrunning Saturn stores in Germany
Saturn's Media Market Gains Popularity
In cities across Germany, shoppers are in for a shock when they venture out for their electronics fix - Saturn stores are turning into Media Markt outlets! This transformation has been seen in multiple North Rhine-Westphalian cities such as Neuss, Hilden, Cologne, and Aachen.
The telltale sign? The red Media Markt banner where the Saturn store used to be! Recent conversions have left only 87 Saturn stores in the country, according to Ceconomy - the parent company of these two brands. In the first half of this year alone, Media Markt has moved into 14 more Saturn locations, with even more transformations on the horizon. The number of Media Markt outlets has since surpassed a whopping 300.
Curious customers might wonder about the fate of Saturn. The company spokesperson was tight-lipped about the exact number of Saturn stores that remain and those slated for conversion. However, one thing's for sure - Saturn isn't vanishing anytime soon. This brand remains an integral part of Ceconomy's strategic vision.
For shoppers, the consequences of these transitions are relatively painless: the product offerings between Media Markt and Saturn are similar, and many items are available at both locations. Advertising and deals are the same across the board. Ceconomy's goal is to "strengthen the integration" of both brands, which will see their loyalty programs merged as soon as next week. Points earned from previous Saturn purchases will also be combined.
Though only Media Markt remains in some European countries, such as Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Poland, the transition in Germany continues. It's interesting to note that the first Saturn store opened in Cologne all the way back in 1961, while the first Media Markt store debuted in Munich in 1979. Both brands were united under Ceconomy's umbrella in 2017, following its spin-off from Metro AG.
Source: ntv.de, mdi/dpa
- MediaMarkt
- Saturn
- Electronics Industry
Insights:
- Incorporation: Ceconomy AG operates both MediaMarkt and Saturn brands, as a spin-off from Metro AG in 2017.
- Store Count: As of September 2024, only 87 Saturn stores were operating in Germany, and the total number might increase as part of the ongoing transition.
- In line with the ongoing transition, Ceconomy is planning to merge the loyalty programs of Media Markt and Saturn to strengthen the integration of both brands, which might likely happen as early as next week.
- As the technology industry continues to evolve, the employment policy within Media Markt and Saturn, both subsidiaries of Ceconomy, may undergo changes to adapt to the growing demands, particularly in the realm of finance and business.
