Bulgaria

Mr. Bricolage had three stores in operation in Bulgaria at the end of 2004: two in Sofia (4 090 m² and 5 751 m²) and one in Plovdiv (3 651 m²). Early this year came the opening of a store in Varna. The intention is to open six further outlets by 2006. The organisation’s French central office has increased its stake in Doverie Brico, the Bulgarian franchise partner, from the original 8.1 per cent to 40 per cent.
In November Praktiker completed its entry into the Bulgarian market with the opening of a first DIY superstore plus garden centre in Sofia. The company intends to invest around E 50 mio in Bulgaria over the next three years. Plans for the medium term include seven stores. Further new openings are envisaged for both Sofia and Plovdiv. Baumax is also planning to get a foothold in Bulgaria, and preparations for the group’s market entry are currently under way.