1984
By now twenty years have passed since the founding of A&O, and the Italian marketing distribution sector has made great strides forward by constantly revitalizing its services and building on its success as an independent supplier of prepackaged goods. By opting to distribute through various different types of retail outlet, Selex strengthens its position as a multichannel group. To coincide with the twentieth anniversary of its foundation, Selex opens a new headquarters in Trezzano Sul Naviglio, near Milan.
Meanwhile, the consortium members open the first supermarkets in the “Famila” chain, an innovative retailing format that, by bringing both groceries and non-food products under the one roof, launches the group into the super-/hypermarket sector.
The nineteen-eighties also see the birth of a new generation of supermarkets for the Group, the “Super A&O” chain. The enhanced layout, improved level of service and judicious positioning of the modern supermarkets brings a breath of fresh air to the retailing world that is much appreciated by our customers.
The outlets now set about reconfiguring their internal layout with the inclusion of staff-assisted food services, cold-cut and deli counters, and in-store greengrocer, butcher and baker sections, placing ever more emphasis on freshness and quality.