Lidl скоро изменит МИР ты точно этого не знал / история одного из самых крупных предприятий Германии

Summary

Schwarz Group, the parent company of Lidl, is rapidly transforming from a traditional retail empire into a tech powerhouse. With innovations in cybersecurity, cloud services, and artificial intelligence, the company aims to compete with global giants like Amazon and OpenAI. Under the leadership of Gerhard Rjanowski, Schwarz Group has launched digital initiatives like the Lidl Plus app, which boosts customer engagement, and created a robust infrastructure for secure cloud and AI solutions. With plans to expand its digital footprint, Schwarz Group could soon rival Amazon in the tech space if it successfully navigates fierce competition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Schwarz Group, based in the small town of Neckarsulm, Germany, is one of the largest retail conglomerates globally, with an annual turnover of €167 billion.
• 😀 The company, which owns Lidl and Kaufland, is led by Dieter Schwarz, whose wealth is estimated at €34 billion, making him one of Germany's wealthiest individuals.
• 😀 Schwarz Group revolutionized retail by adopting the discount store model, following in the footsteps of Aldi, and has since become Germany's largest retailer.
• 😀 Despite being private and secretive, Schwarz Group's structure is complex, with subsidiaries in diverse sectors, including retail, waste management, and food production.
• 😀 Under the leadership of Gerd Rjanowski, Schwarz Group is transitioning into a digital powerhouse, focusing on expanding its digital services and adopting new technologies.
• 😀 In 2020, Schwarz Group took a significant step in its digital transformation by launching the Lidl Plus app, a loyalty program that collects consumer data and offers personalized discounts.
• 😀 The company is integrating physical and digital commerce through omnichannel strategies, allowing customers to check product availability and reserve or order items online.
• 😀 Schwarz Group's technological expansion includes acquisitions in cybersecurity, such as the purchase of XM Cyber, and the development of its own cloud services platform.
• 😀 The company aims to offer its cloud services to external clients, positioning itself as a competitor to major players like Amazon and Microsoft in the cloud computing market.
• 😀 Schwarz Group is investing heavily in AI and cyber defense, with plans for a dedicated AI research campus in Heilbronn to advance its ambitions in AI technologies and secure data services.
• 😀 The group's long-term goal is to transform from a traditional retailer into a global tech giant, blending retail with digital innovations like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

Q & A

What is the Schwarz Group, and how is it related to Lidl?

The Schwarz Group is the parent company of Lidl, a major discount retail chain in Germany. It is one of the largest retail companies globally, operating with a diverse portfolio of businesses including retail, cyber security, cloud services, and artificial intelligence.

How did the Schwarz Group grow to become a global leader in retail?

The Schwarz Group grew by adopting the discount self-service store model pioneered by Aldi. This allowed the company to scale rapidly, and in 2004, it overtook Aldi to become the largest retail company in Germany. Their strategy focused on aggressive expansion and operational efficiency.

Who is Dieter Schwarz, and what role did he play in the success of the Schwarz Group?

Dieter Schwarz is the founder and key figure behind the Schwarz Group. He transformed a small family grocery store into a global retail empire by implementing a scaling strategy, borrowing from Aldi's discount model. He is known for maintaining a low public profile, rarely appearing in the media.

How did the Schwarz Group manage its transition into the digital world?

Under the leadership of Gerhard Rzhanowski, the Schwarz Group embraced digital transformation. Key initiatives included the launch of the Lidl Plus loyalty app to gather customer data and improve the shopping experience, as well as the creation of Schwarz Digits to accelerate digital innovation.

What is Schwarz Digits, and what role does it play in the company's future?

Schwarz Digits is a division within the Schwarz Group focused on digital and technological advancements. It plays a pivotal role in the company’s transformation, aiming to make the group not only a retail leader but also a technological giant. It encompasses initiatives like cloud services, AI development, and cyber security.

What are the key challenges the Schwarz Group faces in its digital transformation?

One of the main challenges is the highly competitive nature of the digital market, especially in sectors like cloud services and AI. Additionally, the company must navigate the complexities of data protection and ensure that its digital offerings meet the highest standards of security and reliability.

How did the Schwarz Group handle the increased demand for cyber security?

The Schwarz Group acquired the Israeli company XM Cyber for €700 million, which helped establish a robust cyber security infrastructure. They also created a cyber operations center to monitor global security threats and offer cyber security services to other companies, becoming a key player in the field.

Why did Lidl decide to develop its own cloud services instead of using existing providers?

Lidl decided to develop its own cloud services to ensure better data security and privacy. The company believed that external providers could not guarantee the level of control and protection they required for their customer data, particularly in light of increasing concerns about data breaches.

What is the significance of the Lidl Plus app in the company's digital strategy?

The Lidl Plus app is central to the Schwarz Group's digital strategy, serving as a loyalty platform to collect customer data, offer personalized discounts, and improve the customer experience. It has become one of the most popular shopping apps in Germany, helping Lidl maintain customer loyalty and drive sales.

What investments is the Schwarz Group making in artificial intelligence, and how do they align with its broader goals?

The Schwarz Group is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, particularly through its involvement in the AI startup Alpha and the creation of a dedicated AI research campus. These investments aim to position the company as a leader in AI technology, which complements its goals in cloud services and cyber security by creating a fully integrated digital ecosystem.