Aldi Süd is planning to open its first stores in the country in late October this year. The discount operator has already started the process of training its Greek management to take over responsibility for the new outlets, of which up to around 13 are expected to open up simultaneously for the launch in Greece. Meanwhile, supplier contracts for locally sourced private label products have reportedly been closed.

Last year the German discounter had announced that it is planning to invest around €700 million in the Greek market, to create a network of 370 stores. Aldi currently owns more than 6,600 stores in Europe and reported a turnover of around €35 billion. Upon entering the Greek market, Aldi will join the ranks of Lidl, Plus and Carrefour's Dia in the thriving Greek discount sector.

Carrefour, plans to convert all of its 260 small and medium-sized Dia outlets into Dia Markets. The Dia discount stores in Greece which have been converted into the Dia Market concept recorded a sales increase of up to 70%.

See list of top ranking retailers in Greece.