Medium-term: eight Baumax stores

17.11.2003

It is no more than a stone’s throw over the border into the neighbouring country to the south for these Austrians, who operate three stores in Slovenia – seen from the viewpoint of the group’s southern stores in Graz or Klagenfurt, that is

It is no more than a stone’s throw over the border into the neighbouring country to the south for these Austrians, who operate three stores in Slovenia – seen from the viewpoint of the group’s southern stores in Graz or Klagenfurt, that is. Which is why purchasing in its entirety is carried out through Klosterneuburg. The situation is different where sales and marketing are concerned: these are the responsibility of Iztok Gerlic, regional manager for Slovenia and Croatia.
In addition to the three Slovenian stores in Ljubljana, Maribor and Celje there is also a fourth one in Varazdin, Croatia.
It was 1993 when Baumax became the first foreign DIY retailer to risk making the move into Slovenia by acquiring an Eurodom DIY store in Ljubljana. Celje and Maribor were then added in 1997.
The latest Slovenian Baumax in Maribor is architecturally impressive.
These are classic Baumax stores with retail areas covering between 4 000 m² and 7 000 m² (in Maribor). There are no plans for any Mega-Baumax outlets in the foreseeable future. Plans for the medium term provide for eight stores in Slovenia and 10 to 12 outlets in Croatia. Ljubljana is to be extended by 1 600 m² before the end of the year, renovations and extensions are to be undertaken in Celje in early 2003 and new outlets are to open at Nova Gorica, close to the Italian border, and at Osijek in Croatia.
The range of goods available is similar to that to be found in Austria, apart from regional differences. The majority of suppliers are also the same, since certain goods are often non-existent in the ranges available from Slovenian or Croatian suppliers. So far it is building materials such as windows, doors and paint that are sourced from national production plants. Though it must be said that Baumax is anxious to encourage national suppliers in Slovenia, partly as a way of gaining new group suppliers as well.
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