German retailer Hornbach: shortage of skilled workers is a problem

Representatives of the German construction materials retailer Hornbach, which has recently opened its first store on the domestic market, in Bucharest, believes the increase in the costs of the labour, due to the shortage of skilled workers on the market, could be offset by lowering the price of construction materials. Hornbach, the latest retailer to enter the domestic market, has announced investments of over 200 million euros in expanding nationally. The company plans to develop a 10-store network by 2015, when it expects to reach 1,000 employees. The network has also secured a store location in the city of Brasov, after acquiring some land in 2006, although the first openings announced will be in the Capital. The company will open its second store in the Militari district (Bucharest), no longer than a year after its first opening.