Leroy Merlin still proving expansionist in Russia

Leroy Merlin, the French DIY chain (Groupe Adeo), has opened a new branch in Russia. The outlet is located in Rjasan, a regional capital 200 km south-east of Moscow with a population of approximately 500 000. The new store offers some 40 000 items on nearly 16 000 m² and employs a staff of 350. Since early May the opening had been postponed several times because of bureaucratic impediments. The hypermarket opened in Rjasan by the French Auchan chain in 2012 also had similar obstacles to overcome. This new store means Leroy Merlin has now increased its total number of outlets in the Russian Federation to 27 in 15 cities. Five openings have already taken place in 2013.