With the new stores, Licsor says Optiplaza's net sales could reach €3.8 million, a 25 percent increase year-on-year. "We have concluded or will close deals for Bucharest (Baneasa Mall), Suceava, Iasi and Constanta [for new stores]," he said. "We are discussing with developers of commercial projects in Bacau, Braila, Galati, Craiova, and Cluj, for a third store in Constanta, for a further four stores in Bucharest, and two in Brasov," he added. Licsor said these projects are to be finalized in 2008-2009.
Optiplaza stores are usually located in shopping centers of hypermarket chains, such as Carrefour and Auchan, and malls.
The investment in a store costs some €150,000-200,000. So far, some €800,000 have been invested in the Optiplaza chain. "This is the time to open a store in Romania. There will be no more room in five years time," Licsor added.
While previous investments were made with profits earned, the company is likely to require extra financing for the new projects. Licsor said he is not interested in selling shares to an investment fund, so the financing could come from bank loans. The local lenses and glasses market is estimated to be worth some €40 million, with 90 percent of products imported, and is forecast to increase 30 percent this year.
Optiplaza's main competitors are Opticris, Optiblu, Optinova and Sover.
"This is the time to open a store in Romania. There will be no more room in five years time Paul Licsor Managing Partner, optiplaza.
