METRO Cash & Carry, the world's leading business-to-business wholesaler, today announced the opening of its 3rd wholesale store in Ningbo, and also its 77th store in China."We are delighted to celebrate this opening which marks our further expansion in Zhejiang market. The ever-growing sales network enables us to deliver better service and more value to our local customers. commented Mr. Jeroen de Groot, President of METRO China. Aiming to be the Champion for Independent Business' and a focused multi-channel specialist, we're dedicated to support our local customers to be even more successful by providing them with high-quality products, unique solutions at competitive wholesale prices.
2014 is METRO Cash & Carry's 50th anniversary year. The wholesaler is launching a new brand campaign: YOU & METRO, to communicate clearly that long-term, trusting partnerships with its customers, employees, partners and suppliers form the basis for METRO China's future success.
METRO was one of the earliest foreign trade companies to enter Ningbo. In 1998 METRO opened its first wholesale store in Yinzhou District in Ningbo, while in 2009 it invested another one in Cixi, a city under the jurisdiction of Ningbo. The stores have helped stimulate local consumption and promoted regional economic growth. With the opening of METRO Haishu store, METRO further enhanced its market presence along the south wing of the Yangtze River Delta.
Solidifying Market Presence in the South Wing of the Yangtze River Delta
Ningbo is known as one of the few deep water harbors worldwide, and the third largest harbor city in mainland China. The city has seen tremendous economic growth potential in recent years. By upgrading traditional manufacturing industry and encouraging the development of tourism, convention and foreign trade industries, Ningbo has joined the league of top-ten Chinese cities in terms of comprehensive competitiveness in 2013. In 2014, the local government launched the Three-year Action Plan of Economic Development and Social Transformation . The plan will further boost the development of modern service industry in Ningbo, creating keen demand for modern trade services.
With extensive expertise, high-quality assortments and professional services, METRO stores in Ningbo provide highly-efficient, one-stop purchasing solutions for local customers. On the grand opening day of METRO Ningbo Haishu Store, several local enterprises, such as Ningbo Zhenhe Electric( http://nbzhenhe.en.chinaningbo.com ) and Ningbo Shine Electrical signed purchasing contracts with the store.
METRO purchases local products in cities it enters, helping to boost local economy. Hosting Zhoushan Fishing Ground, one of China's largest fishing grounds, Ningbo has been an important source for METRO's seafood procurement. Local frozen aquatic products such as yellow croaker and ribbonfish have been supplied to METRO's national sales network long before and warmly welcomed by professional customers. Every week, fresh aquatic products are directly transported to Shanghai from Ningbo harbors, and further distributed to METRO stores across East China through its distribution center. Meanwhile, local specialty produce such as Fenghua peaches, Yuyao Cixi bayberries and Yinzhou Watermelons are sold in METRO Ningbo stores for local customers selection.
METRO Ningbo Haishu Store is conveniently located in the Hengmao Commercial Center. The store covers a sales area of over 4,800 square meters, offering an assortment of nearly 14,000 items, including meat, fish, dairy, office supplies, kitchen equipment, electronics, etc. For the convenience of professional customers, the store is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with Customized Rice Dumplings
In celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival, METRO has cooperated with several well-known rice dumpling and egg producers to provide customized welfare solutions. Complying with strict quality control standards, METRO offers a wide range of flavor combinations and packaging options, conveying METRO's holiday blessings to customers and their employees. Through early-stocking and strong sourcing capabilities, METRO provides its customers with cost-effective solutions.
With its international root, the METRO store offers over 3,000 varieties of imported goods from across the world, including Europe, America, and Asia. It also offers a remarkable range of imported wines. With year-round temperature control of 15 degrees Celsius and ideal humidity settings, the METRO wine boutique is an excellent environment for fine wines. In addition, the store also carries complete collections of domestic wines and high-end Chinese liquors, with high quality and authenticity ensured.
METRO China developed six innovative Own Brands, including Aka, Fine Food, HoReCa Select, H-Line, Rioba and Sigma. The six Own Brands offer over 3,000 high quality products competitively priced, providing added value to professional customers.
About METRO Cash & Carry
METRO Cash & Carry is represented in 29 countries with over 750 self-service wholesale stores. With a headcount of more than 120,000 employees worldwide, the wholesale company achieved sales of about EUR 31 billion in the financial year 2012/2013 (based on pro forma calculating period 1.10.2012-30.9.2013 due to short financial year 2013). METRO Cash & Carry is a sales division of METRO GROUP. METRO GROUP is one of the largest and most international retailing companies. The Group reached sales of around EUR 66 billion in the financial year 2012/13 (based on pro forma calculating period 1.10.2012-30.9.2013 due to short financial year 2013). The company has a headcount of around 265,000 employees and operates around 2,200 stores in 32 countries. The Group's performance is based on the strength of its sales
