Arena has members in Russia

Two Russian DIY retailers, Trest SKM and Baucenter, have been members of Arena, a voluntary buying association, since the end of January. Trest SKM manages two DIY chains, Stroy Arsenal and Superstroy, which makes it the biggest DIY retailer in Russia by number of stores. According to information from the company, its membership of Arena is primarily aimed at cutting buying costs, as well as safeguarding a reliable quality standard and a broad range of products. It also stated that it intends to hold its ground against the west European competition in the future through a comprehensive package of services, though customers cannot expect price reductions. Baucenter, the second new member of Arena, has six large-format DIY stores in Kaliningrad and Siberia. The agreement came about on the initiative of Arena. For the moment it is valid for two years and, after that, is to be open to all members of Soyuz, a Russian buying group, provided all conditions are complied with. This alliance was founded last year at the instigation of Rinat Mukhametvaleev, managing director of Trest, with the express aim of creating a counterbalance to the market leaders from western Europe. As a buying association, Arena now has a membership of eight DIY companies with operations in twelve different countries.