# Realco supermarket chain bankruptcy in Italy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/realco-supermarket-chain-bankruptcy-in-italy > Updated: 2026-08-05T08:58:22.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. In mid‑July 2026 Realco announced the shutdown of 19 supermarkets and discount stores across Emilia‑Romagna, part of a broader restructuring of 40 outlets slated for auction on 4 August. The closures, beginning on 18 July, reflected a deepening financial crisis that had placed the chain under judicial administration since February and threatened thousands of jobs. By early August, the bankruptcy proceedings allowed a local acquisition of the Sigma supermarket in Castellarano. Approved by the Bologna Tribunal, the deal involved local entrepreneurs and store employees, with the mayor personally intervening to preserve the shop. Preparations were underway to restock and reopen the store, framed as a community celebration. The sequence shows the rapid transition from widespread store closures and an impending auction to the selective revival of at least one outlet through local intervention within weeks of the initial shutdown announcements. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-05: Sigma supermarket in Castellarano set to reopen after Realco bankruptcy Sigma supermarket in Castellarano will reopen after a court‑approved acquisition saves the store and jobs lost in the Realco group bankruptcy, with mayor Giorgio Zanni’s support. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sigma-supermarket-in-castellarano-set-to-reopen-after-realco-bankruptcy ### 2026-07-14: Realco supermarket chain to close 19 stores in Emilia‑Romagna Realco will close 19 supermarkets and discount stores in Emilia‑Romagna between 18 July and 30 July, with the assets to be auctioned on 4 August for €9.75 million. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/realco-supermarket-chain-to-close-19-stores-in-emiliaromagna --- Cite as: Realco supermarket chain bankruptcy in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/realco-supermarket-chain-bankruptcy-in-italy