German expansion continuing

The German DIY retailers continued to push ahead with expansion beyond their national boundaries in 2011 too. Their total number of stores abroad rose by 43 within the space of twelve months to give an overall total of 793 by the end of the year. Obi saw the greatest growth, adding 15 more stores to its portfolio. Baywa now has seven more international outlets, Eurobaustoff four and Bauhaus three.The German DIY retailers intend to increase the pace of expansion during this current year, when they are planning a further 58 openings abroad. The key areas of expansion are Austria (eight new stores), the Czech Republic (six) and Poland (five), as well as Italy, Switzerland, Romania and Hungary (three each).