Lemet’s business to drop to its 2007 level

“This is a difficult time. In December 2008 we considered for 2009 an optimistic scenario, with a 10-15 percent increase compared to 2008 and a pessimistic scenario, with a 10-15 percent increase compared to 2007. Now I think that even the pessimistic scenario is a little too optimistic,” the company’s founder and General Manager, Alexandru Rizea, told Business Standard.

In 2008, according to data provided by the Romanian Furniture Manufacturers Association (APMR), the domestic furniture market rose 14 percent, to €1.35 billion, while the furniture production increased seven percent, to €2 bln. Lemet grew above the market’s general pace, and raised its market share in 2008.

Rizea said that company sales fell by an annual six percent in January, but slightly picked up by mid-February. Major players in the furniture market include Mobexpert, Ikea, Elvila, and Staer.