The German discount chain Woolworth, specializing in cheap household goods and clothing, has opened its thousandth store in the country. The company continues its dynamic expansion in the German market, consistently increasing the number of outlets. This year, the chain plans further openings, with the goal of serving over a million customers daily, highlighting the significant scale of its retail operations in Germany.

Expansion milestone

Woolworth has reached the threshold of a thousand stores in Germany by opening a new outlet in the city of Neuss, a significant milestone in the history of the chain, which returned to the market in 2009 after bankruptcy.

Plans for further development

The chain announces further expansion in Germany this year, continuing the aggressive development strategy that has allowed it to increase its store count by hundreds in recent years.

Steady turnover growth

Woolworth reports steady turnover growth, which last year amounted to 1.5 billion euros, and plans to double this value within the next five years, indicating the company's financial stability.

The German discount chain Woolworth, known for its offering of cheap everyday items, has reached a significant milestone by opening its thousandth store in its home market. The new outlet opened in Neuss in North Rhine-Westphalia.The Woolworth brand has a long history, dating back to the 19th century in the United States, but its German incarnation was revived in 2009 after the bankruptcy of the previous version of the chain. The modern Woolworth focuses on selling low-budget products such as clothing, household goods, and small electronics, competing with other discounters. The company is consistently increasing its number of stores, adding 175 new locations last year, and plans to continue this expansion this year. Reaching the thousandth store milestone underscores the scale of its retail presence in Germany, where it reaches a broad customer base seeking affordable products. „Wir sind sehr stolz auf diese Meilenstein, aber wir wollen nicht stehen bleiben. Wir sind bereit für weitere Expansion und Investitionen in die Zukunft.” (We are very proud of this milestone, but we do not want to stand still. We are ready for further expansion and investment in the future.) — CEO of the German Woolworth chain Woolworth's management announces plans to double its turnover within the next five years. The company currently employs around 20,000 people in Germany. 1 mln — customers served daily in Woolworth's thousand stores Despite the lack of direct competition in the Polish market, Woolworth's success in Germany could be a subject of analysis for local retail chains regarding a business model based on low margins and high inventory turnover. All three analyzed sources – ZEIT ONLINE, DIE WELT, and stern.de – report this event in a similar, factual manner, focusing on business and numerical aspects, without significant differences in interpretation. Growth of the Woolworth chain in Germany: Number of stores in 2025: 825 → 1000; Planned annual turnover (2025): 1.5 billion euros → 3.0 billion euros (5-year plan); New stores in 2025: 175 → continued expansion in 2026

Mentioned People

  • Tobias K. Schirmer — CEO of the German Woolworth chain