Metro begins consolidation

The German group Metro, the biggest player in the Romanian trade sector, with turnover of more than one billion euros, has entered its consolidation phase, after reaching 23 stores. The company will invest between 50 and 100 million euros over the next 3-4 years to modernise its existing stores.

“The average investment demanded by the modernisation of a store ranges between 2.5 and 5 million euros, depending on its size. Looking at the next 3-4 years, we will modernise more than 20 stores, involving both exterior and interior modifications,” stated Bert van der Velde, the new general manager of Metro Cash & Carry Romania SRL.

Metro currently operates 23 cash & carry outlets covering the main cities of Romania.

“We”ve reached a very good level of representation in the country, even holding two stores in cities like Constanta, Timisoara and Brasov. For the time being, this level is satisfying, but we”ll be watching for any opportunities that may arise,” Van der Velde stated.

One such opportunity is the Metro Cash & Carry outlet to be opened by the end of this year in the Baneasa area. The store is in fact a relocation of commercial activities currently performed by their Otopeni outlet, the first store the German group opened in Romania 9 years ago.

“We have four stores in Bucharest and this is enough for the moment to cover the capital city,” Van der Velde also said.

Van der Velde came to Romania in the autumn of 2001, after working for more than four years with another international retailer, Ahold.