Salling Group to Build 51 Emergency Supermarkets Across Denmark

You can soon buy essential groceries during major power cuts in Denmark.

Salling Group plans to launch 51 emergency-ready supermarkets across the country by 2027.

The company operates Bilka, Føtex, and Netto stores.

These special stores will run for at least 48 hours without electricity or internet.

This initiative ensures access to basic supplies during severe blackouts or cyberattacks.

The emergency network will feature 17 Bilka stores, 32 Føtex stores, and two Netto locations.

Up to 80 percent of residents will live within 50 kilometers of a store.

Each location will keep emergency stocks of 50 essential items.

These items follow preparedness recommendations from Danish authorities.

Food supplies include oatmeal, protein bars, canned meatballs in curry, rice cakes, and tuna.

Beans and chickpeas will also be stocked.

Essential non-food products like batteries, wet wipes, and diapers will also be available.

Shoppers can pay offline using physical payment cards and digital smartphone wallets.

Salling Group teamed up with payment provider Nets to keep card systems working offline.

Chief Executive Anders Hagh stated that building these stores remains a top priority.

Preparations are progressing steadily toward the 2027 target date.

Competing retail chain Coop has not decided on setting up similar emergency stores.

Coop operates Brugsen, SuperBrugsen, 365discount, and Kvickly.

Coop risk officer Ulrik Mester said the group is discussing crisis preparedness with authorities.

These discussions involve SAMSIK, Denmark's Agency for Societal Security, according to CPH Post.