This growth owed to new furniture programs developed by Lemet’s specialists, a higher share of complementary products in the network’s stores and new partners, to expand and strengthen the network, said commercial director Adrian Rizea.
Lemet expects its LEM’S network to post sales of RON200 million in 2012, from RON173 million in 2011. The network has 104 stores, which sell furniture made by Lemet, as well as other products. Home appliances, from various suppliers, make up 6-7% of the network’s sales.
By the end of the year, the company wants to open at least seven new units. Next year, it might expand further in Bucharest, said Rizea. Lemet currently has three stores in the capital.
The Lemet factory in Campina is expected to post RON85 million turnover this year, from RON77 million in 2011. Earlier in 2012, Lemet installed a new production facility, developed through a RON27 million investment, co-financed by the European Union.
“Things on the furniture market are very tough at the moment. The public has limited plans to buy and has become very particular. Clients want to get more and more for their money – some want extra quantity, others extra quality, but they all want something more,” said Rizea, adding that the euro’s appreciation has driven production costs and rents up.
The Lemet factory in Campina was set up in 1991 and currently occupies more than 30,000 square meters. It processes around 1.2 million square meters of MDF and builds more than 360,000 furniture modules every year.
The company is controlled by Alexandru Rizea, Adrian Rizea’s father.