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This blog article is inspired by our list of the most important companies in Germany, which also covers the largest German retailers. The list provides you with comprehensive insights into the highest-revenue players in the German retail sector. In addition to current revenue and employee figures, you will also find valuable information on industry focus, managing directors, and contact details. The data is conveniently available as an Excel file for direct download.
Summary
Short answer: Measured by the published 2023 consolidated revenues and the researchgermany ranking of the largest German retailers, Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG is the largest retailer. In fiscal year 2023/24 Lidl generated €88,576 million in revenue, putting it ahead of REWE, EDEKA, ALDI Nord, and MediaMarktSaturn.
Comparison of the Largest Retailers (Revenue 2023)
The table shows key figures from the companies’ 2023 financial statements/disclosures (as of 02.09.2025), based on the researchgermany retailers list:
| Ranking | Company | Industry / Business Area | Revenue 2023 (m €) | Employees 2023 | Headquarters (City) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG | Retail – Food retail | 88,576 | 236,382 | Neckarsulm | info.lidl |
| 2 | REWE-ZENTRALFINANZ eG | Retail – Food retail | 83,987 | 255,349 | Cologne | rewe-group.com |
| 3 | EDEKA ZENTRALE Stiftung & Co. KG | Retail – Food retail | 68,177 | 85,496 | Hamburg | edeka.de |
| 4 | ALDI Nord Deutschland Stiftung & Co. KG | Retail – Food retail | 35,000 | 88,000 | Essen | aldi-nord.de |
| 5 | MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group GmbH | Retail – Consumer electronics | 22,442 | 41,518 | Ingolstadt | mediamarktsaturn.com |
Why Lidl Is No. 1 in 2025
- Revenue leadership: The consolidated income statement reports €88,576 million in sales for 2023 (prior year €81,793 million). This puts Lidl at the top in retail.
- Dynamics & profitability: Revenue growth of +8.3%. EBIT rises to €3,539 million (EBIT margin: 4.0%), EBITDA to €5,559 million (EBITDA margin: 6.3%).
- Economies of scale & cost control: Gross profit increases to €21,723 million with an improved gross margin (24.5%). At the same time, net financial debt decreases by 15.7% to €12,477 million; the equity ratio rises to 36.7%.
- International presence: Lidl generates retail revenues in 29 countries and is investing specifically in the store and logistics network (capital expenditures: €3,705 million, of which €2,396 million in real estate).
- Operational efficiency: Reduced inventories (–23.5%) and higher inventory turnover (9.9) indicate stringent merchandise management.
- Employment & employer attractiveness: Average of 236,382 employees.
- Sustainability goals: Member of the SBTi; target to reduce Scope 1/2 emissions by 55% by 2030 vs. 2019; expansion of charging infrastructure and sustainable construction.
Competitor Assessment
REWE follows with €83,987 million and, together with EDEKA (€68,177 million), remains Lidl’s largest challenger in food retail. ALDI Nord reaches €35,000 million and focuses on a discount model with a lean assortment logic. MediaMarktSaturn is the leader in non-food electronics but operates at significantly lower volume than the food giants. In the direct 2023 revenue comparison, Lidl’s leading position is thus confirmed.
Source
- Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG – Consolidated financial statements and group management report for the fiscal year 01.03.2023–29.02.2024 (incl. consolidated P&L, balance sheet, management report: growth, investments, inventories, net financial debt, personnel & sustainability).
Image source: Getty Images, 09.09.2026
Last Updated on 4 months ago
