Lekkerland and the to-go specialist Valora have opened a new chapter in their long-standing partnership in Lübeck: Valora opened a REWE To Go store as a franchisee at the central bus station (ZOB) in the Hanseatic city on 24 April.
"High-frequency locations at railway and public transport stations offer exciting growth opportunities for on-the-go consumption, also against the backdrop of the mobility transition. We at Lekkerland want to utilise these opportunities even more in future. We are delighted to be pooling our expertise in this area in Lübeck as part of a franchise pilot with the comprehensive know-how of our business partner Valora," says Michael Mayer-Sonnenburg. As Director Franchise & Convenience Stores at Lekkerland, he is responsible for the franchise business and for REWE To Go stores outside petrol stations, among other things.
According to analyses, the travel retail segment is one of the areas that has benefited most from the growth in on-the-go consumption in recent years. Studies expect the positive trend to continue. Sales are expected to increase by seven per cent in 2024 alone.
"We are continuously developing our successful business at transport hubs. REWE To Go in Lübeck is a strong addition to our portfolio of well-known and established brands. We are looking forward to the experience and knowledge we will gain there together with Lekkerland," says Philipp Angehrn. As Managing Director Convenience DE & International Service Stations at Valora, he is responsible for the convenience and petrol station business in Germany.
Wide selection of fresh snacks and meals
Covering an area of around 80 square metres, the REWE To Go store at ZOB Lübeck offers a wide selection of fresh snacks and meals, hot and cold drinks as well as snacks, confectionery and tobacco products. Coffee and iced coffee are available both served and self-service. The range also includes selected items for everyday needs. Four self-checkout tills support a fast shopping experience. The shop is open Monday to Friday from 5 am to 10 pm and on weekends and public holidays from 7 am to 10 pm.
Lekkerland and Valora have been working together for many years at around 850 points of sale, most of which Valora operates at high-traffic locations such as railway stations, bus stations and airports. Lekkerland supplies the shops, which operate under brands such as avec and k kiosk, with beverages, confectionery, tobacco, frozen and fresh products.
Against the backdrop of transformative developments such as the mobility revolution, Lekkerland's strategy envisages the growth and further development of both existing and new business segments. The convenience format REWE To Go plays an important role in this. The format can already be found at around 900 Aral petrol stations.
In addition, there are 22 locations, some of which are operated by Lekkerland itself and others by franchisees. This figure includes three unmanned stores. Lekkerland's aim is to significantly increase the number of REWE To Go locations outside petrol stations in the coming years.
About Valora
Valora has over 2,800 small outlets in high-frequency locations in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The Valora Group, headquartered in Muttenz, Switzerland, is the European retail unit of Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA). In Germany, Valora operates through its Valora Retail Germany, Valora Food Service Germany and Ditsch Produktion/B2B business units. Valora Retail Germany operates some 850 outlets nationwide in the avec, cigo, k kiosk, Press & Books, ServiceStore DB and U-Store formats. Valora Food Service Germany includes the BackWerk, Ditsch and Frittenwerk formats with some 550 outlets.
