Worten Spain continues its process of adapting to the new market challenges, precipitated by the pandemic, and has decided to accelerate the digitalization of its business in that country, focusing its efforts on the digital channel and ensuring positive profitability in 2021.
As a result of a strong focus on the digital channel, sales at worten.es have grown significantly in recent years, which accelerated the decision to focus operations on the online store and the 16 most profitable physical stores. As José Vieira de Almeida, Country Manager of Worten Spain, explains, “ in the current context of sector transformation, accelerated by the current pandemic crisis, we decided to make structural changes to guarantee positive operational results in Spain in 2021 ,” also ensuring that “ this change does not affect the continuity or independence of our business in this region, where, from now on, we will concentrate on serving customers in the most efficient way, through online and physical stores that best adapt to our omnichannel model in Spain .”
Smaller store network
As part of this decision, Worten Spain decided to sell 17 stores to MediaMarkt and close another 14. The transaction with MediaMarkt also includes the transfer of 270 employees, which helps preserve 73% of Worten Spain's current jobs. “ The planned acquisition of 17 Worten stores in Spain fits perfectly with our strategic objectives of being the first choice as a trusted retailer for personalized solutions in a technology-driven world ,” says Alberto Álvarez Ayuso, General Managing Director of MediaMarkt Iberia. “ The proposed agreement also reflects our clear commitment to the omnichannel model, with 17 new stores to boost our online sales with new delivery and collection points for online purchases .”
This transaction is pending approval from the Spanish National Commission for Markets and Competition and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021.
