Metro Group looks eastward as Russian expansion continues

Metro Cash & Carry will open three further new stores in Russia by the end of 2013. This is according to Metro’s Managing Director in Russia, Pieter Boone. The outlets will be located in Serpukhov, Podolsk and Noginsk. The site in Serpukhov is currently an Auchan outlet and will be converted into a Metro Cash & Carry store.

In addition, Boone said the Moscow region had potential for approximately six more Metro stores. Currently, Metro Group-owned Metro Cash & Carry operates 68 outlets in Russia. Eight are located in Moscow itself and four in the Greater Moscow region.

The company sees potential for between three and five stores under the smaller-sized Eco concept in Moscow. Trading from 2,400-3,000 square metres (26,000-43,000 square feet) instead of the conventional 7,500 square metres (81,000 square feet), the concept features a strong emphasis on fresh food and is aimed primarily at the restaurant trade.

Discussing future prospects of Russian expansion, Boone suggested Metro would move increasingly eastwards. He noted the company has already met twice with the Governor of the Primorsky Territory, Vladimir Miklushevsky, to discuss the prospects of entering into the region.

"Personally, I believe that Vladivostok has a great market potential in terms of the development of our business. But before making a decision, we have to clarify a number of questions related to logistics, range and so on," Boone said. He added that the company is currently conducting a comprehensive analysis of the local market.