Bunnings introduces a smaller format

Bunnings, the Australian DIY retail chain, is about to launch a new format. The first store in the so-called Series 3000 is expected to open in Wellington, New Zealand, this December. A further three locations are to open in Victoria in early 2005, and one opening in New South Wales is scheduled to follow. Altogether there are 19 Series 3000 outlets currently at the planning stage. The format is for retail areas between 3 000 and 5 000 m² in size, which is smaller than the company’s warehouse-style concept, making it suitable for regional catchment areas. It is also to be employed in New Zealand.
Having realised twelve new openings in the latest financial year to 30 June, more than ever before within just one year, the company had 125 large-format warehouse-style stores and 85 traditional hardware outlets in operation. Five of the warehouse stores and 31 hardware shops are located in New Zealand. Sales amounted to Aus $ 3.8457 bn (€ 2.2562 bn), which indicates a 10.7 per cent increase over the previous year’s result.
It is planned to open a total of between eight and ten new stores during the current 2004/2005 financial year. The New Zealand market is to be given development priority, with 20 new warehouse-style stores scheduled for opening there over the next four years.