Despite this projected rise, Staer remains significantly behind the RON101.5 million (EUR23.3 million) turnover recorded in 2007.
Staer, which was one of the largest players in the furniture industry, owns a plant in Galati county and a chain of 33 stores.
“Of the 24 existing stores on December 31 2010, 7 stores were closed down. 4 stores were relocated to Arad, Braila, and Galati,” show data provided by Elva Cont, the legal administrator of Staer International.
So, in the last year, the company reorganized its chain of stores, closed down units, relocated others, but also opened new stores. Overall, Elva Cont data show that the number of Staer stores has increased.
The company was set up in 1992 by Nicolae Stefan and in the years before the crisis had become one of the most dynamic retailers.
Staer is the largest company in the furniture industry to have become insolvent.
The optimism of Staer regarding a sales increase is also shared by market leaders. Companies such as Mobexpert, Elvila, IKEA, kika and Silvarom expect their sales will rise. For instance, Mobexpert expects a 12% sales rise, after the group saw a 3% growth in 2011. (EUR1=RON4.3514)
(English version by Daniela Stoican)