Metro planning to open 100 Fasol stores in Moscow
MOSCOW. April 1 (Interfax) - German retailer Metro Cash & Carry, which is developing a chain of wholesale centers, is beginning to repeat the new format on the Russian market, the general director of Metro Cash & Carry in Russia, Peter Boone, told journalists.
The company will begin opening stores in the coming months that are part of its Fasol franchise in Moscow, he said.
Metro Cash & Carry has begun signing contracts with partner franchises. It is assumed that Metro's partners will not pay royalties, but will be required to purchase part of their product assortment at the company's sales centers. The goal is for Fasol to have a sales area of 80-150 square meters.
Metro opened the first test store of the new format in the spring of 2012, and the store is still in the company's possession. Another 13 franchise stores were then opened in St. Petersburg and Rostov, also as part of a pilot project.
The company decided to continue spreading this format in Moscow, where it plans to open around 100 Fasol stores over the course of a year.
It is assumed that Metro will consult with its partners in the area of category management, and will also present solutions in the IT field and store arrangement. The company will also provide support for promotions. Average investment for one franchise store is 5,000 euro.
The Metro Cash & Carry chain in Russia includes 72 sales centers in 45 Russian regions. The chain is represented by 750 stores in 29 countries, and is part of Germany's Metro Group.
