Serbian grocery store chain Gomex is planning to open 25 new stores during 2015, in a year it is celebrating 20 years of operations.
The retail network will be expanded to the capital Belgrade, where 10-15 stores will be opened, and Central Serbia.
Gomex has also started the refurbishing of existing stores.
The anniversary is also being marked with the launch of a new loyalty programme, "Kartica Brojalica", as well as continued discounts, promotions, tastings and giveaways in stores.
During a press conference, director and co-owner Goran Kovačević said the 2014 results are in line with expectations, adding that 2015 could be even better. He pointed out that Gomex recorded sales growth to €67.9 million, but that the profit rate dropped by almost one per cent to 2.15% (€1.6 million).
In 2007, Washington based-fund SEAF invested equity (35% of the capital) in the Zrenjanin-based company and also provided extensive pre- and post-investment business assistance.
As a result, Gomex has been able to successfully and sustainably expand, becoming one the most well-known grocery store chains in the northern province of Vojvodina, with 120 outlets, three distribution centers and 1,300 employees.
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic