“The first quarter results were better than budgeted, 10% better and in April we had a sales boom before the Easter holiday. Demand was high for all types of products.”
The chain has opened two new stores since the beginning of the year, one in Constanta and one in Piatra Neamt and plans to open at least three more.
“We are about to open one store, we are in talks, but will announce it as soon as possible. We’re sticking to our openings plan, there will be at least five new stores this year,” Amalia Buliga said.
The network ended last year with 27 stores (19 of which in cities other than Bucharest). Investment in arranging a new store stands at about EUR50,000, according to the latest data available.
“The book stores in Baneasa and Vitan malls and Unirea Shopping Centers generate the highest sales. The sales increased because of a higher number of customers walking into our stores in the first quarter.”
Diverta bookstores sell books, stationery and toys and has 200 employees.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)