Rewe, one of Germany’s leading supermarket chains, is making significant service adjustments as the holiday season approaches, particularly concerning store hours and the availability of its delivery service. With Christmas Eve falling on a Tuesday this year, Rewe customers should be aware of the modified hours at their local stores.
According to local regulations, most supermarkets, including Rewe, will close early on Christmas Eve. Specifically, the Hamburg store hours for the day have been limited to 14:00, reflecting Germany's strict opening regulations. Exceptions exist for certain types of retailers, but overall, shoppers are urged to plan their trips accordingly to avoid disappointment. Rewe stores typically open between 6 and 7 AM but may vary by location.
Adding to the complexity of holiday shopping, Rewe's CEO Lionel Souque recently announced changes concerning the chain's delivery service. Although the service has been available for twelve years and caters to customers, the decision to discontinue expansion arises from financial impracticalities. "Der Lieferservice bringt keinen positiven Ertrag", noted Souque during his interview on the podcast 'Jung in der Gesellschaft'. This decision has left many customers reconsidering their options, especially as the holidays approach.
Souque elaborated on the challenges of profitability: "Die Verkaufspreise sind ja dieselben. Da ist es sehr schwer, Geld zu verdienen". Despite the increased demand for home deliveries during the festive season, the costs associated with the service remain high and profitability low. Instead, Rewe will continue to provide existing delivery services where they are already operational but has no current plans to expand these services.
For those still needing supplies on Christmas Eve, various alternatives exist. Supermarkets located at airports and train stations have extended hours and often remain open until 17:00, presenting viable options for last-minute shoppers. Also worth noting, pharmacies will operate throughout the day, providing emergency services for those requiring last-minute essentials.
With the combination of holiday traffic and reduced hours, experts recommend shopping early to avoid the rush. Last-minute shoppers should take advantage of non-traditional shopping options, such as convenience stores or gas stations, which frequently remain open throughout holidays.
It is also important for customers to stay informed about the operating hours of their local Rewe stores. For example, Edeka stores, independently managed, adhere to the same closing times mandated by the Ladenschlussgesetz, which states all supermarkets must close by 14:00 on December 24. This mandates careful planning for consumers to mitigate holiday frustrations.
Shopping on New Year's Eve presents its own set of challenges and variations across different regions of Germany. While many supermarkets can remain open throughout the day, each state’s Ladenöffnungsgesetz (LÖG) dictates specific hours. For example, varying states allow for differing closing times, with some stores opting to close as early as 14:00 regardless of legislation.
Rewe and other supermarkets are adjusting to limited hours to accommodate both legal requirements and customer flow. “Wir informieren unsere Kunden darüber auf unserer Website und durch Aushänge in den Filialen”, emphasizes the necessity of staying alert to any operational changes this holiday season.
Given the mixed news about store hours and delivery services, Rewe aims to provide convenience and accessibility to its customers. With thoughtful planning, consumers can navigate their holiday shopping successfully, ensuring they have all they need for their celebrations. Remaining flexible and informed will be key to enjoying their holiday season.
