Raised beds, garden soil, decorative items, drugstore goods, plants and Baltic beach chairs: the German retail chain Thomas Philipps has a permanent range of around 18,000 different items, divided into 16 different product groups. The company, founded in 1986 by the namesake as a five-man operation, now operates 250 branches in Germany. Now Thomas Philipps is also putting out feelers to Upper Austria. A market is scheduled to open in Enns at the end of June.
“We achieve a large proportion of our turnover with the home and garden sectors,” says Martin Gaber: the Viennese, who previously worked for Marionnaud, manages the Austrian business with headquarters in Vienna. In Austria there are many companies and chains in this area, “but we don’t know of any that cover the discount sector”. With the low prices you want to stand out from the competition and still score with a certain quality. “Increasing inflation is putting pressure on people’s wallets. As a discounter, we still want to make them an offer.”
The company, which employs 700 of its own staff (the branches are run by independent retailers), follows the “one-stop-shop principle”: The range also includes household items, toys and pet supplies. “Customers come because of the promotional potting soil, for example, but then also take a toothbrush and a drink with them that they happen to see,” says Gaber.
30 branches in five years
In Austria, Thomas Philipps has so far only operated one store in the Styrian town of Köflach. In Enns they want to move into the premises of a former shopping center in the summer. 1500 square meters are to be used.
“First and foremost, we want to focus on the district capitals,” says Gaber: Thomas Philipps is rolling out ambitious plans for Austria. They want to open 30 branches in the next five years. The family business did not disclose sales when asked.
Source: Nachrichten
