"E-commerce is a market in constant development, and we need to continuously review and adapt our online offering and our joint investments based on the customer needs. At the same time, this a tough and sad message to give to our hard-working employees in Arendal. The well-being of our employees is of great importance to us, and we work with the union representatives in order to make the process as good as possible", says Eric Lundberg, CEO of ICA Sweden.

The e-commerce business is a key part in reaching ICA's overall objectives for growth and market share. The majority of the future growth in the retail sector is expected to be online, which also applies for ICA. ICA Sweden has made significant future-oriented investments which create good conditions for growth in e-commerce. At the same time, the business needs to be optimized based on the conditions of the local market in cooperation with the country's ICA retailers.

"Gothenburg remains a very important e-commerce market for ICA but given the market conditions we see greater opportunities for growth by using the strength of ICA's business model and the local store", says Peter Muld, head of strategy and technology, ICA Sweden.

The e-commerce warehouse in Arendal will be closed in the second quarter of 2024. The closure affects 140 employees since the change will lead to a reduced need for personnel. Union negotiations have been initiated and the affected employees have been informed of the decision to close down the operations.

The change affects 18 ICA stores that are connected to the e-commerce warehouse in Arendal. Discussions with the affected ICA retailers are on-going to ensure a continued strong online offering to customers in the Gothenburg region based on the new conditions.

The closure of the e-commerce warehouse in Arendal involves structural costs that will affect ICA Sweden's result in the fourth quarter of 2023.

For more information
ICA Gruppen press service, telephone number: +46 (0)10 422 52 52, e-mail: press@ica.se

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