Biedronka supermarket chain plans 300 new branches

Biedronka outlet. Photo: wikipedia

CEO Tomasz Suchanski has confirmed that the company plans to invest 2.1 billion zloty this year (500.7 million euro) in the expansion.

The investment builds on last year's expansion, with some 280 new branches opened in 2013, bringing the company's network to 2393 outlets.

“We are well on the way to having 3000 shops by the close of 2015,” Suchanski has forecast.

Biedronka's sales reached the level of 32 billion zloty in 2013 (7.7 billion euros), marking a 15 percent rise on 2012.

“We're positive about what will happen financially this and next year,” Suchanski affirmed.

“We don't anticipate any decline,” he added.

The company also plans to open three new distribution centres in 2014 (two were opened last year).

Biedronka was launched by Polish entrepreneur Maruisz Switalski in 1995. Two years later it was purchased by Portuguese firm Jeronimo Martins, which has retained ownership since then. (nh)

Source: PAP