Research by Organic-Market.Info in Germany has revealed that in the first half of 2010 28 new organic supermarkets opened or increased their retail area by moving to new premises. A projection for the whole year means nearly 60 new launches – which is roughly the same as in 2009 when 58 new specialist stores (over 200 m² retail area) and organic supermarkets (over 400 m²) opened their doors. Three of the new specialist wholefood stores are the result of changing location or extending their premises. Around 15,086 m² of organic sales area has been created in the current year, which is 65 % more than in the same period in 2009 (9,100 m²). At 660 m², loss of retail area through moving to new premises or closures of stores is comparatively small.
(Picture: Recently opened Alnatura store in Berlin-Kreuzberg)