“We have already opened six stores under the Salamander brand and want to open at least two new units by the end of the year, in Pitesti and Sibiu. We plan to expand the network to 20 Salamander stores in the next three years and become one of the largest local footwear store networks,” Schwartz said.
The six Salamander stores are located in Bucharest, Constanta, Focsani and Iasi.
Expansion Plans
Otter Distribution operates 48 stores in Romania (31 Otter stores, two Clarks stores, four Geox units, five Aldo stores and six Salamander stores).
The group plans at least five new openings this year, targeting all brands.
“We want to expand the Aldo network to ten units in the next four years,” Schwartz said.
According to Schwartz, the group will need more than 5-10 years to return to pre-austerity sales levels.
“Sales are steady this year (…) but a return to boom levels won’t happen anytime soon,” he added.
Otter Distribution registered sales of 87.2 million lei (EUR19.6 million) in 2012, up from RON69.7 million in 2011.
Romanian footwear producers exported shoes worth EUR1.5 billion last year and exports are expected to rise 5% in 2013. Their main export markets are Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. (EUR1=RON4.4306)