OBI stands as Europe’s largest home improvement and DIY retailer, a multinational enterprise with deep roots in Germany and a global outlook. Headquartered in Wermelskirchen, OBI operates more than 640 stores across ten European countries, including Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Italy, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Complemented by sourcing subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Ho Chi Minh City, OBI ensures a resilient and efficient supply chain to meet diverse customer needs.
With annual revenues of €8.2 billion and over 250 million customer visits each year, OBI continues to redefine the DIY retail sector by offering not just products, but comprehensive services and solutions tailored to modern lifestyles. The company employs more than 40,000 people worldwide, blending expertise with innovation to support both individual consumers and professional craftsmen.
Comprehensive Service Portfolio for Home and Garden Projects
OBI distinguishes itself by offering an extensive service ecosystem that simplifies complex projects for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike. Its offerings span the entire customer journey:
- Planning and Consultation: Intuitive digital planners such as Küchenplaner (kitchen), Badplaner (bathroom), and Gartenplaner (garden) give customers step-by-step guidance for renovation and design. Personalized energy-efficient renovation roadmaps extend support to sustainable living.
- Rental Solutions: From heavy-duty construction tools to transport vans and trailers, OBI’s Mietgeräte and Miettransporter services reduce the cost burden of DIY projects. Container rentals ensure convenience for larger construction work.
- Customization and Everyday Support: Services like Farbmisch-Service (paint mixing), Zuschnitt-Service (material cutting), Schlüsseldienst (key duplication), and Pflanzenverpackung (plant packaging) bring tailored solutions to every project.
- Logistics and Convenience: Abholung-Express for quick pickup, flexible home delivery, order-ahead options for out-of-stock goods, and simple return policies streamline the customer experience.
- Professional and Financial Support: heyOBI Profi caters to craftsmen with professional-grade tools and solutions, while financing options and gift cards extend financial flexibility to all customer segments.
These integrated services make OBI not just a retailer, but a true partner in project execution.
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Expansive Product Assortment Covering All DIY Needs
OBI’s strength lies in its ability to serve as a one-stop shop for all home, garden, and lifestyle needs. With a product catalog of over 32,000 items, the retailer combines globally recognized brands with exclusive private labels such as LUX-TOOLS, Jamestown Grill, and baliv. Key categories include:
- Garden & Leisure: Outdoor furniture, pools, lighting, pavilions, sun protection, grills, and live plants from leading suppliers like Gardena and Greenworks.
- Technology & Tools: Electric and manual tools, home security systems, ironmongery, stoves, and smart tech solutions from brands such as EcoFlow and Worx.
- Building Materials: Flooring, stairs, windows, insulation, and timber solutions supporting construction and renovation projects.
- Bathroom & Kitchen: Faucets, sinks, ceramics, furniture, and appliances from premium names like Hansgrohe, Haier, and Midea.
- Living & Décor: Lighting, wallpapers, flooring, and paints that transform interiors into personalized spaces.
By maintaining such a wide product base, OBI ensures its customers can find everything they need under one roof, reducing the complexity of managing multiple suppliers.
Digital Transformation: The heyOBI Advantage
The heyOBI app is central to OBI’s digital strategy. With more than 8 million active users, the app has become a bridge between online convenience and in-store expertise. It offers customers personalized recommendations, exclusive discounts, and seamless integration with physical store services. Features like expert video chat, digital coupons, and loyalty bonuses provide added value, while omnichannel options such as “reserve online, pick up in-store” address the hybrid shopping behaviors of today’s consumers.
For professionals, heyOBI Profi delivers specialized offers and services, further positioning OBI as a trusted partner across both B2C and B2B segments.
Sustainability and Responsibility at the Core
Under its “Every Day A Little Better” ESG strategy, OBI champions climate protection, circular economy models, and social responsibility. Sustainability-driven services include rental programs that reduce consumption, disposal and recycling support for electronics and building materials, and green energy solutions like photovoltaic systems.
Collaborations with organizations such as Too Good To Go highlight OBI’s effort to minimize waste, while partnerships in the EDRA/GHIN Scope 3 Taskforce emphasize the company’s role in shaping science-based climate targets. These initiatives position OBI not only as a commercial leader but also as an industry advocate for sustainability.
Strategic Partnerships for Innovation and Supply Excellence
OBI’s operational strength is enhanced by collaborations with world-class partners:
- TradeBeyond: Driving supply chain digitalization for efficiency and sustainability.
- Ufleet: Providing advanced logistics insights for improved journey tracking.
- Zoi.tech: Supporting workplace digitalization with Google Workspace.
- Bundl: Fostering innovation to expand service offerings.
- Global Suppliers: Partnerships with Hansgrohe, Gardena, Haier, EcoFlow, and more reinforce OBI’s premium product mix.
OBI Group Sourcing GmbH plays a central role in global procurement, ensuring quality control across its European network.
Leadership Driving Long-Term Vision
The management team ensures strong governance and visionary strategy:
- Dr. Sebastian Gundel, CEO: Strategic leadership and corporate growth.
- Miguel Müllenbach, CFO: Financial resilience and compliance.
- Dr. Urszula Nartowska, CPO: Talent development and organizational innovation.
- Jochen Ludwig, CCO: Product and merchandising leadership.
- Brigitte Wittekind, COO: Operational excellence and logistics execution.
This team anchors OBI’s competitive advantage, combining retail know-how with forward-looking transformation.
OBI as the Trusted DIY Partner for Europe
More than a retailer, OBI has become a household partner for millions of Europeans seeking to improve, build, and personalize their homes. Its integrated mix of products, services, digital innovation, and sustainability-driven initiatives ensures that OBI remains at the forefront of the DIY industry.
With a strong commitment to enabling customers, professionals, and communities, OBI continues to define the future of home improvement—making every project possible.
