Growth despite crisis in relations

Ian Strickland believes it is extremely important to gain an understanding of the new geopolitical situation and its economic impact. The CEO of Obi Russia was speaking in an interview in the run-up to the sector conference Retail Business Russia 2014, taking place at the end of September, with the organiser B2B Conference Group (BBCG). Strickland said that it would be particularly interesting to see how colleagues react to changes in the market, especially to sanctions and import bans. Retailers would first have to attend to reorganising procurement in international markets, because Russian buyers in particular are very tied to foreign brands. Developing other sales channels, such as online, should also be driven forward even in tough times.
As a declared optimist, Ian Strickland tends to see potential for new developments in the current situation. New Obi stores are expected to open as planned, therefore.