Prepare for crisis: Bilka in Aalborg becomes an emergency preparedness store

Denmark’s largest grocery group, Salling Group, is accelerating its work to prepare 50 emergency preparedness stores that must be able to operate for at least two days without power or connection to the outside world.

This will include securing larger stockpiles and upgrading store infrastructure such as power supply.

An increasingly uncertain security situation, extreme weather events, and a rising risk of cyberattacks are prompting Salling Group to prepare 50 Danish grocery stores to remain open for at least two days – even without electricity or communication lines.

The stores will be spread across the country so that up to 80% of the population will have no more than 50 kilometers to a preparedness store that can stay open despite a regional or nationwide crisis.

The stores will be distributed across the entire country so that up to 80% of the population will have a maximum of 50 kilometers to a preparedness store that can remain open despite a regional or nationwide crisis.

Bilka in Skalborg selected

It has been decided that Bilka in Skalborg will be one of these preparedness stores. Several other grocery stores in Aalborg may also be chosen.

The initiative will include all Bilka hypermarkets, the largest føtex stores, and selected Netto stores, ensuring that as many Danes as possible can buy essential goods.

“As the country’s largest grocery group, we have a natural responsibility to ensure that our customers always have access to the most essential groceries to the greatest possible extent.

This is our core task and a responsibility we take seriously. We also believe it is prudent – as other countries have done – to prepare for potential crisis situations, something that a good and constructive dialogue with the Minister for Civil Security and Preparedness has confirmed.

We hope it will never be necessary, but should it happen, our customers can count on us,” says Anders Hagh, CEO of Salling Group.

To be ready by 2028

The goal is for the 50 preparedness stores to be fully operational by the end of 2028, but work on the first locations is already underway.

Today, all Bilka hypermarkets and most føtex stores are equipped with backup generators that take over during power outages to varying degrees.

All generators will be inspected, and some will be upgraded to ensure maximum performance. All stores must also be able to handle payments – both cash and card – even during outages.

In addition, all stores must build up an emergency stock, either on-site or at nearby warehouses, containing essential groceries.

This includes drinking water, canned goods, and other items recommended by the Danish Emergency Management Agency.

Not intended for bulk buying

The preparedness stores are meant as a supplement to household emergency supplies – not for large-scale stockpiling.

“Across Salling Group, we have long been working to strengthen our emergency preparedness in all business-critical areas, but now we are accelerating our efforts so that we can support our customers during a potential crisis.

Our goal is to create a more resilient Salling Group – not only financially, but also operationally, so we can withstand unforeseen events,” says Anders Hagh.

Salling Group is currently conducting a detailed analysis of its Danish store network to select the most suitable locations, ensuring that Bilka, føtex, and Netto can cover the entire country within reasonable distance.

This includes bridge-connected islands, where one of the Netto stores on Bornholm will become a preparedness store.

All other stores will remain open as long as possible during a crisis situation.