Action discount chain expands rapidly across Europe, targets 400 new stores in 2026

Action, founded in 1993 in Enkhuizen, Netherlands, has grown to more than 3,300 stores in 15 European countries, including over 660 locations in Germany. In the first half of 2026 the retailer opened 121 new stores and plans to launch at least 400 additional outlets by year‑end, aiming to further cement its position as one of Europe’s leading non‑food discounters. Revenue reached €8.3 billion and weekly footfall hit 22.7 million shoppers.

The chain’s rapid growth is supported by 18 distribution centres across the continent and a workforce drawn from 166 nationalities. Since 2021 Action has cut its Scope 1 and 2 CO₂ emissions by 56 %, partly by switching to renewable electricity and bio‑fuels. It was named the Netherlands’ fastest‑growing company in 2025 and has been voted France’s preferred retailer for four consecutive years (2023‑2026). While Action expands, larger food discounters Aldi and Lidl are experiencing stagnant growth worldwide.