Key investments have been getting underway behind the scenes at METRO, some of which have been integral in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Highlighting impressive metrics in its growth this year, the retailer released the results for its second quarter of fiscal 2021, which ended on March 13, 2021. Sales were reportedly up by 5.1 percent, culminating to a $4.19 billion achievement.
"We delivered strong sales and earnings growth in our second quarter. More than one year into the pandemic crisis, our teams continue to show extraordinary resilience to safely serve our communities while executing well on our strategic priorities of operational excellence, supply chain modernization, and digital acceleration,” stated Eric La Flèche, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our affiliated pharmacists have begun to administer vaccines, and we look forward to increasing the pace as soon as more vaccine supply becomes available in the coming weeks.”
According to the report, highlights from the financial included:
While the industry is still observing safety protocols, METRO is keeping its associates’ health top of mind. As retail workers and frontline employees were given high priority as essential workers, the retailer reinvested in its workforce and operations.
Costs related to COVID-19 for the second quarter of Fiscal 2021 were approximately $29 million, including $8 million of gift cards to front-line employees.
“As we are currently cycling the peak sales of the start of the pandemic last year, we are confident that our sales volume will remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, and we are well-positioned to continue to deliver value to our customers and shareholders,” concluded Flèche.
For more information on METRO’s second quarter, click here.
With growth such as this, there is no telling where METRO may go next.
