According to research by FOCUS Online, the first supermarket branches are beginning to prepare for the winter. Businesses want to lower the high energy and electricity prices in order to primarily get the costs under control. FOCUS Online says what measures are being taken behind the scenes and what will change for customers.

Supermarket chains like Edeka and Rewe are already working on energy-saving concepts behind the scenes. But discounters such as Aldi, Netto, Kaufland and Lidl also want to be more economical with electricity and heating in winter and operate their branches more efficiently.

This was confirmed by the press offices at the request of FOCUS Online. The REWE Group explains, for example, that the branches of the group rely on so-called energy officers who “check energy-saving options” at regular intervals. They would sensitize employees and inform them about possible energy-saving measures. The Rewe Group operates, among other things, Rewe, Penny and Toom stores throughout Germany.

“With a view to the autumn and winter months, we will closely monitor the energy requirements of our warehouses, markets and administrative locations,” said a press spokeswoman for the group.

“We take the current situation very seriously and are monitoring further developments,” emphasizes Aldi Süd on request. Even before the Russian war broke out in Ukraine, the company had already implemented measures “that contribute to energy efficiency in the stores and in the logistics centers”.

One is already very far and well prepared for the winter here. Aldi Nord makes a similar statement. “Not just since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, but basically as part of our sustainability efforts, we have implemented numerous efficiency measures and are constantly examining further savings potential,” says a company spokesman.

According to information from FOCUS Online, Edeka, Rewe, Hit and Netto Marken-Discount branches are planning to shut down the outdoor lighting in the winter months. Billboards are also deactivated in the evening hours. The timers and temperature settings for heaters are being revised in almost all supermarket branches.

Store managers are also currently checking the gas, water and electricity meters. According to an Edeka merchant from Baden-Württemberg, the aim is to reduce consumption. “We are currently examining how we can use the fresh food counters and refrigerated counters more efficiently in order to reduce operating costs overall.” Many retailers expect the costs to triple, which cannot be passed on to customers in total.

In fact, branches could also close earlier. “In winter there are few customers in the store after 8 p.m. Then you have to check whether it’s worth it to be open until 11 p.m.”. Basically, according to the industry, one wants to avoid shorter opening times.

Saving measures are also being examined at the entrances and exits. The automatic sliding doors should be adjusted so that less heating energy can escape to the outside. This should allow the doors to open and close more quickly.

In some cases store managers even plan with pavilions in front of the entrances. Customers should first walk through the winter-proof pavilions and only then through the sliding door. This should allow the warm air from the branches to circulate better and not escape directly to the outside.

While garden centers and hardware stores are planning shorter opening hours and branch closures in winter, supermarkets and discounters don’t want to hear anything about it for the time being. “We are basic providers. We will have groceries during the usual opening hours,” says a Lidl branch manager, who does not want to be named.

However, the situation is still very unclear. If heating and electricity costs rise to dizzying heights, shorter opening hours can be a tool to reduce operating costs. “You will then have to see when there is less going on in the branches and act accordingly.”

“All energy-saving measures are aimed at creating no restrictions for our customers,” says Rewe.

Supermarket prices are skyrocketing, but furniture, clothing, shoes and other consumer goods are also becoming more expensive. As a retail expert, I know the tricks of the trade and tell you how you can save money for you and your family every month when shopping. Would you like to talk to me about your savings tips and tricks? Did you notice anything while shopping? Then send an e-mail to Konstantinos.mitsis@burda-forward.de with your name and telephone number