Makro

Makro is a (originally) Dutch chain of Warehouse clubs, also called cash and carries. The first one opened in 1968 in Amsterdam. In the following years more stores opened in the Netherlands and in several other countries within Europe and, in 1971, South Africa. In the 1970s and 1980s Makro extended its business to the Americas and Asia. Makro later closed its North American sites, however. The stores were once not open to the general public (except Brazilian and Pakistani consumers), only to businesses which had to be registered members in order to gain entry to the store. Today however everyone can get a membercard at the reception.