Dragomir also said Profi will extend its Romanian network by 45 new stores in 2013 and, in the next three to five years, it plans to reach a network of 300 units and to double its sales. Investments in opening a new unit range from around EUR200,000 to EUR300,000, depending on the size of the store.
According to Dragomir, Profi is still searching for opportunities to acquire new stores, just like it did recently with the six-store chain taken over from Cluj-based company Alimrom Trading.
Dragomir also said that retailers are facing fiscal challenges which only boost their costs. Between 2010 and 2012, Profi reported a 90.2% increase in taxes paid to the state budget, to RON60.4 million, while its turnover grew by 45% to 55%, from RON725 million in 2010.
Profi employs 4,000 people and has over 170,000 clients daily.
Profi currently ranks second in a top of retailers operating on the Romanian market, after Mega Image, which has over 200 stores. (EUR1=RON4.4228)