Realco supermarket chain to close 19 stores in Emilia‑Romagna

Realco announced the shutdown of 19 supermarket and discount locations across the provinces of Reggio Emilia, Bologna and surrounding areas. The first closures began on 18 July with the Sigma store in Cadelbosco Sotto, followed by a series of Ecu and Sigma outlets through the end of July, culminating with the Rolo store on 30 July. The closures are part of a broader restructuring of a package of 40 stores slated for auction on 4 August in the Bologna Tribunal, with an expected sale price of €9.75 million. The chain, founded in 1959, has been in judicial administration since February, and the accelerated shutdown reflects a deepening financial crisis that threatens the jobs of the employees at the affected sites.

The auction will determine the future ownership of the stores and associated real‑estate assets, while local authorities and labor representatives have voiced concern for the workers and the communities that rely on these supermarkets.