The bluff of discounters in Germany

Lidl is considered a major force in Germany, not only because it is a giant in large-scale retail trade, with 14 stores worldwide and more than half a million employees, but also because, together with competitors Aldi, Rewe, and Edeka (which also includes the Penny and Netto brands), it dominates the lucrative discount market.

These chains present themselves with the Sustainability label, but have many critical points that go in the opposite direction, so much so that they are often criticized by environmental associations that are very present and strong in Germany.

They harm small producers

Discount chains leverage extremely low prices by negotiating hard with suppliers and maintaining low costs (limited product selection, simple shelves, etc.). This can be especially damaging to small agricultural producers or foreign suppliers, who are forced to accept low prices to stay in the market.

Environmental groups criticize discount-linked farming practices because they incentivize low-cost production that can aggravate environmental problems such as excess nitrates in water and the intensification of industrial agriculture.

They deceive consumers with fake discounts

Recent court rulings have also hit chains like Aldi for misleading advertising practices (for example false discounts where prices were first increased and then reduced to appear as a sale).

Discount store workers are less protected

Big discount chains have been criticized for difficult working conditions and poor protection of workers' rights, with employees complaining about high workloads and rigid shifts.