Aldi loses turnover

According to market research by the German market research bureau GfK Aldi's turnover in Germany is declining. Especially drinks and body care products are being bought less by customers, reports the German news letter 'WirtschaftsWoche' on its website.

According to the figures WirtschaftsWoche has available, Aldi Süd's turnover decreased in the first six months of 2014 by 1.4 percent compared to the same period last year. At Aldi Nord the turnover even decreased by 2.5 percent. But Lidl and Penny also experienced declines in sales. As with Aldi, the sales of body care products and drinks were weak at the discounters at the moment, according to the GfK research.

However, the Cologne supermarket chain Rewe did well in the first six months of 2014. here the food turnover increased by an impressive six percent. The figures also showed a clear distance from competitor Edeka, of whom the turnover only grew by 1.9 percent according to the GfK.

The market researchers mentioned the low interest rates, which enable many consumers to spend more money on everyday goods instead of saving, for the divergent developments of supermarkets and discounter. The discounters have apparently also downsized their special offers.