METRO Cash & Carry has extended its nationwide sales network to 80 stores in China, with the milestone opening of its newest location in Weifang, Shandong Province today.

METRO Cash & Carry has extended its nationwide sales network to 80 stores in China, with the milestone opening of its newest location in Weifang, Shandong Province today. As part of METRO's commitment to the environment and sustainable development, the store is the first METRO location in China to feature carbon dioxide refrigeration technology.

"The opening of Weifang store marks a major milestone in METRO's commitment to China market. We're aiming to be a Champion for Independent Business, and very glad that the store enables us to serve local businesses." said Mr. Jeroen de Groot, President of METRO China. "Meanwhile we also place great value on protecting the environment as we continue to develop our network in China, because sustainability is one of our guiding principles. We ensure that our business decisions take economic, ecological and social considerations, and believe at METRO we not only create value for shareholders, but also make positive impact for the environment and society."

METRO takes the lead in environmental protection with green refrigeration technology

In a new cost-effective and environmentally-friendly move, METRO China has implemented carbon dioxide refrigeration technology in its Weifang store.

Carbon dioxide is considered safer than other refrigerants, as it does not deplete ozone and yields much lower greenhouse gas emissions. Compared with traditional methods, this efficient refrigeration technology can reduce energy consumption by as much as 20 percent, lowering operational costs. For stores with high refrigeration demands, carbon dioxide refrigeration technology is an eco-friendly solution.

As part of METRO's commitment to achieving sustainable development worldwide, the wholesaler is focused on implementing environmental protection initiatives. Since METRO China's first energy-saving and eco-friendly store, METRO Wuxi Huishan Store, opened in 2009, METRO China has not only introduced energy-saving facilities to all subsequently-opened stores, but has also launched an Energy Awareness Program to track the energy consumption of METRO China's stores and headquarters, using the data collected to set attainable energy-saving goals.

METRO China further taps into the Shandong market

The Weifang store is METRO's sixth store in Shandong province, following locations in Yantai, Qingdao, Huangdao (a district in Qingdao), Zibo and Linyi. Benefiting from the booming economy of the Shandong Peninsula which ranked fourth in China, Weifang has become one of the major engines for economic growth in the province. The rapid development of the industries in Weifang, including marine chemistry, power machinery, food processing, textile and garment, etc., has stimulated demand for modern trade services in the local market.

METRO China offers one-stop purchasing solutions, based on its high-quality assortment, competitive wholesale prices, and professional services. On the opening day of the new Weifang store, many local institutions and companies, including Weifang Farrington Hotel, Sinopharm Group, and Weifang Economic Development Zone Branch of Constructure Bank of China, had signed procurement agreements with METRO.

METRO Weifang store offers great purchasing experiences

The METRO Weifang Store is conveniently located on Beihai Road in the city's Economic and Technical Development Zone. Covering a sales area of over 5,400 square meters, the store offers an assortment of more than 18,100 items. As a leading international wholesaler, METRO provides full assortments in food departments, including excellent quality and safe foods, such as meat, fish, fruit and vegetables delivered fresh every day, as well as dairy, dry goods, wine and liquor.

The store also sells a wide range of non-food products, clearly defined into "5 Worlds", including Seasonal, Kitchen, Cooking & Table, Apparel, Office & Media, Business & Home Care, satisfying customers' needs with easy product search. During the first two weeks following the grand opening, the store will offer a 10% discount on all products sold.

To stay relevant to professional customers, METRO China constantly evolves its concept to adapt to the ever changing market. METRO Weifang store features the newly launched Cash & Carry new store concept, providing a welcoming environment and upgraded services, with elements such as tasting booth, scan pole, information counter, etc. The new store is also equipped with a delivery platform serving both the stationary store and METRO China's e-commerce channel, supporting the company's development of multi-channel strategy.

As a leader in welfare and gifting market, METRO selected welfare and gifting as one of its five focus channels of strategic importance. To better meet the special needs of large and medium-sized companies purchasing welfare and gifting, the new METRO store features a dedicated "Welfare & Gifting Showroom", providing multiple customization services as well as packaging solutions and differentiated products.