UniGrupp closes Graz: 91 jobs in danger from structural change!

UniGrupp closes Graz: 91 jobs in danger from structural change!

The unigitroup, an important company in the food trade, announces the closure of its logistics location in Graz until the end of February 2025. This painful decision affects 91 employees who, according to the company management, are registered for termination at the labor market service (AMS). Managing Director Andreas Hämmerle indicates that this measure is an essential reaction to structural change in the food trade and should serve to ensure competitiveness, reports oe24.at .

reasons for closure

The uni -group sees considerable challenges due to the changing market conditions, especially for smaller retailers. In order to counteract the increase in operating costs and falling sales, several restructuring were made in 2023 and 2024, including the closure of non-profitable online shops and the switch to a franchise model for the Unimarkt branches. According to Volksblatt.at , all Unimarkt branches are to be switched to this model by 2025. So far, 65 of the 124 locations had been led by franchise partners.

The decision to close the Graz location was made after intensive considerations, since the unigitcy plans to control the logistics via a central warehouse in Upper Austria in the future to increase efficiency. Hämmerle emphasizes that all options have been carefully weighed in order to ensure the strengths of the unigitroup in Austria in the future. The closure of the location not only means the end for many employees, but is also part of a more comprehensive strategy for cost relief and adaptation to the new market conditions.