Store numbers are rising

The Spanish buying cooperative Brico Group has extended its activities beyond the country’s border. In January 2004 the Portuguese DIY group Mestre Maco, which currently has 17 outlets and a combined retail area of 50 000 m², became a member of Brico Group, which now numbers 40 outlets in Spain. The members of this cooperative were very active, with Bricokit inaugurating a store in Torrevieja, and Brico King announcing four new openings.
Brico Stock, the Spanish offshoot of Kingfisher’s French channel Brico Dépôt, opened three new stores including one in Tolédo and another in Olías del Rey. Four new stores are scheduled for this year as well.
The Nireo Corporación, a grouping of Spanish hardware merchants, has come up with a new DIY retail concept. Called Átrida (2 000 to 2 500 m²), it was launched at Les Franqueses in June 2004 with a store of 1 950 m². There are plans for one or two more new openings in 2005.