Leclerc looking to expand in Poland - Brief Article

Eurofood, Feb 1, 2001

French supermarket chain Leclerc is looking to increase its network of stores in Poland. Leclerc wants to open two to three new supermarkets every year for the next five years. Finance for the plans will come from the French concern's own capital, as well as from bank loans. However, its plans may be hampered on several fronts.

Increasingly, small Polish traders are voicing their concern at the speedy growth of large foreign supermarkets and hypermarkets, and the tough laws regarding the building of new sites could stall Leclerc's plans. Indeed, during 2000, the French retailer managed to open only one of the planned four new stores.