Action

Action is a Dutch non-food discount chain. It started in 1993 with one small store in Enkhuizen and has grown into one of the fastest-growing discounters in Europe. Its stores sell low-priced non-food goods for everyday life.

Range

• A broad non-food range at low prices, including household products and decoration
• Stores in many European countries

Where to find it

The investor 3i describes Action as having more than 3,400 stores across 15 countries, more than 84,000 staff, 21.6 million visitors a week and net sales of 16 billion euros in 2025 (3i portfolio page, 2026). Action itself announced its first store in Slovenia as the sixteenth country.

Ownership

3i Group plc of London has invested in Action since 2011 and held a 57.9 percent stake at the end of March 2025, according to its annual report. 3i is British and Action is Dutch, so there is no non-European parent.