New DIY chain in Belarus

In the next few years RAPA, an investment holding company, plans to spend US $ 100 mio to set up a new DIY retail chain modelled on Bauhaus or Castorama in Belarus. The stores are to appear under the new brand name of “Hausmaster”. The plans include two large-format outlets in Minsk and around twelve relatively big stores in the regional centres. The retail areas will amount to between 2 000 m² and 12 000 m², and the suppliers are to come from Belarus, the EU and Southeast Asia. Some of the future DIY stores are being integrated into shopping centres that the group is also setting up. A sum of US $ 250 mio is being provided for this over the next three years. Intersport will be one of the anchor tenants.