Shock at the Counter: Media Markt Stepping Up as Saturn's Replacement in Germany
Saturn is increasingly stepping into the world of media commerce.
Comb through the shopping malls of some German towns and you may stumble upon an unexpected sight – a red Media Markt sign where once stood a Saturn store. This change has been noticeable in cities like Neuss, Hilden, Cologne, and Aachen, as part of a growing trend in Germany.
For years, Saturn's presence has been dwindling, with the number of stores dropping from around 150 to just 87 by fall of 2024, as reported by Ceconomy, the company behind both brands. In 2025, Media Markt has moved into 14 more Saturn locations, according to a spokesperson, and more conversions are in the works. Currently, Media Markt boasts over 300 stores in Germany.
The reason behind this shift? Consumers are increasingly viewing the brands as indistinguishable. As a result, Ceconomy is focusing on the development and modernization of its Media Markt stores – hence the takeover of Saturn locations. "We have reopened some Saturn stores as Media Markts and will continue to do so," the company confirmed.
Saturn's Hanging On
Despite the store closures, Saturn is not disappearing completely. It remains a crucial component of Ceconomy's overall strategy. However, specifics regarding the current number of Saturn stores and future conversions are scarce.
For customers, this Transformation means similar assortments, identical promotions, and merged rewards programs. Both Media Markt and Saturn offer many of the same products, making the change seamless for shoppers. By next week, the bonus programs will be united, allowing customers to earn and redeem points regardless of store brand. Previously collected points will also be merged automatically.
Nationwide, the Media Markt name is all that remains. In countries like Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Poland, Saturn stores have been shuttered or converted to Media Markt in recent years. As of March 2025, Ceconomy manages over 1,000 stores in 11 countries.
The first Saturn store opened in Cologne back in 1961, while the first Media Markt debuted in Munich in 1979. When Saturn was taken over by its competitor in 1990, it marked the beginning of a long relationship between the two brands. Metro AG owned the majority of both chains until 2017, when Ceconomy, the current parent company, was spun off as a separate entity.
Sources: ntv.de, mdi/dpa
- Media-Saturn
- Electronics Industry
In light of the merging of Media Markt and Saturn store formats in Germany, it's essential for both companies to update their community and employment policies to align with the new business structure. Meanwhile, the finance department must ensure a smooth transition by allocating resources equitably to facilitate the technological upgrading of these combined retail outlets.
