Metro is leaving Kazakhstan after 17 years of operation

The German company Metro has decided to completely cease operations in Kazakhstan. By the end of March 2027, the retailer will gradually close all six of its stores and delivery points in the country. The company explained that, following an analysis, it did not see a sufficient basis for sustainable business development in this market.

 

German retailer Metro is leaving Kazakhstan. The company plans to completely cease its operations there by the end of March 2027. As part of this decision, all six Metro Kazakhstan stores, as well as its delivery points, will be closed. The process will take place in stages and is expected to be completed by the end of March next year.

Why Metro Decided to Leave

The company stated that it had conducted a detailed analysis of its business prospects in Kazakhstan over the past few months. Following this, management concluded that continuing operations in the local market was not viable. Metro notes that the local team made significant efforts to enhance the customer offering and better adapt the company’s wholesale model to the conditions of the Kazakhstani market.

However, despite these steps, the business—according to the company’s own assessment—continued to face difficulties in establishing a solid foundation for stable growth. “This decision was made after careful analysis and in no way reflects the work of the local team,” said Christiane Giesen, Chief Operating Officer and member of the Executive Board of Metro AG.

She also praised the work of the company’s employees in Kazakhstan. According to her, the team spent many years developing Metro’s wholesale business and serving customers in the local market.

Metro has been operating in Kazakhstan for nearly 18 years

Metro entered the Kazakhstani market in October 2009. During that time, the company opened stores in six cities. The retail locations were in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Pavlodar, Karaganda, and Ust-Kamenogorsk. Thus, once the closure process is complete, Metro will completely cease its operations in Kazakhstan.

The company has not announced any plans to continue operating in the country in a different format. It is currently known that the closure of stores and delivery points will take place gradually, and Metro is expected to fully exit the Kazakhstani market by the end of March 2027.

Metro is a German multinational company that specializes primarily in the wholesale trade of food and business supplies. Its customers include, among others, restaurants, hotels, cafes, and other professional buyers. This was reported in an official Metro press release.