Rooted in the heart of Lombardy, the supermarket chain Tigros has established itself as a major economic force in Northern Italy. Founded in 1965 by local entrepreneur Luigi Orrigoni with the opening of its very first store in Castronno, the company has expanded steadily over the decades. Today, Tigros operates a vast network of around ninety stores distributed across multiple provinces, including Varese, Milan, Como, Pavia, Novara, and Turin, while employing a workforce of more than 3,400 people. With a total turnover reaching 1.5 billion euros, the company remains a cornerstone of the regional economy, celebrated by customers for its competitive pricing, vast product assortment, and strong commitment to local food specialties.
Beyond its physical retail presence, the history of Tigros is marked by continuous strategic evolution and community integration. In the late 1980s, the company notably stepped into the world of local sports by supporting the Varese football club, helping preserve a cherished local institution. Entering the 2000s, Tigros joined the Agorà network purchasing group, further solidifying its market position. However, one of the most significant turning points in the company’s modern trajectory has been its forward-thinking approach to digital retail and private-label diversification.
In 2014, Tigros introduced “Tigros Drive”, an innovative click-and-collect service that allowed customers to pick up their groceries selected online directly from participating stores at no extra cost. A pioneering concept in the Varese province at the time. Building on this momentum, the company launched “Tigros@Casa” for home delivery in 2016, alongside the introduction of proprietary product lines such as “Percorsi di gusto,” focusing on certified Italian culinary excellence, and “Via Verde Bio” for organic food lovers.
This sustained focus on digital efficiency and customer service recently culminated in a significant national achievement. According to a comprehensive survey published by the prominent consumer magazine Altroconsumo, Tigros secured the seventh position nationwide for the quality of its online grocery shopping experience. Scoring an impressive 71 points, the supermarket chain was evaluated positively across critical metrics, including platform usability, product freshness upon delivery, delivery punctuality, and customer support assistance. Furthermore, Tigros achieved a strong thirteenth place among local retail brands, recognized for staff helpfulness, neighborhood proximity, and attractive promotional campaigns.
By successfully bridging its historic regional identity with modern digital shopping trends, Tigros demonstrates how traditional brick-and-mortar retailers can adapt, innovate, and thrive in an increasingly competitive digital marketplace while retaining the loyalty and trust of their local communities.
