On 3 April 2008, Metro Cash & Carry, the international leader in self-service wholesale, opened its first outlet in Islamabad. Islamabad is Metro Cash & Carry’s second wholesale center in Pakistan.
"With a population of over 170 million people and eight cities with more than a million residents, Pakistan is a very attractive and important market for our company", said Frans Muller, CEO of Metro Cash & Carry International. "We see a huge potential for the expansion of our business-to-business wholesale concept in this country. Along with expansion, we also aim to contribute to the dynamic economic development of Pakistan." If all pre-conditions like the allocation of real estate are met, Metro Cash & Carry sees a potential to open up to ten wholesale centers in mid-term in Pakistan. On average, the capital investment for a new Metro Cash & Carry outlet is 20 million Euros. |
The assortment, the services and the architecture of Metro Cash & Carry’s outlet in Islamabad are tailored to the needs of professional customers. "By this means we clearly help our professional customers to increase their competitiveness and thereby strengthen their own business", said James Scott, Regional Operating Officer Asia, Metro Cash & Carry International. The new Metro Cash & Carry wholesale center in Islamabad features more than 10,000 square meters of selling space and offers a comprehensive product range of more than 20,000 food and non-food articles. The focus on local suppliers, which is typical for Metro Cash & Carry, is also pursued in Pakistan. Around 80 percent of the goods on display originate from Pakistani producers and distributors. The new Metro Cash & Carry wholesale center in Islamabad employs 300 people from the local community. Moreover, 200 people are working at the company’s country headquarters in Lahore.
