Poland

The retail area of the DIY companies taken into consideration here continued to grow in 2004 again. It increased by 18 per cent to 808 000 m². The total number of stores rose by nine per cent to 134. Heading the field in terms of new openings was Castorama, with a further five stores to its name. Leroy Merlin also proved expansionist, opening one outlet each in October and November and increasing its total to 14. Praktiker had no new openings but did extend the outlet in Wroclaw to 11 153 m². Obi’s total number of outlets remained unchanged, as did Bricomarché’s. Nomi had one less, but the retail area had been increased (plus 29 per cent). The company intends to open three stores this year.