Expansion in Russia

Rautakesko is continuing its policy of expansion in Russia with the opening of the seventh K-Rauta in St Petersburg at the beginning of December. The outlet is more than 13 000 m² in size and employs a staff of 120. The new store is designed according to the international K-Rauta concept, and features a drive-in building materials yard, for instance, and interior design examples that are offered as a complete package deal. The expansion is due to continue still further, with two more new openings scheduled for St Petersburg in 2007. The target is for ten or eleven stores altogether. Moreover, between eight and ten K-Rautas are to be opened in and around Moscow over the next few years. The concept is to be multiplied in other cities as well. As explained by Ilkka Sinkkonen, country manager Russia, the company's further ambitions include market leadership in the north-west of Russia and a significant position in the country as a whole.