Rafar invests EUR 1 million in opening third Debenhams store in Bucharest

Since March 2007 when it was launched on the Romanian market, Rafar has opened Debenhams units in Romania and the Republic of Moldova with an overall sales area of 11,000 sqm. Rafar controls a total of 28 stores, delivering over 15,000 sqm, with franchises rights for fashion brands such as Aldo, Olsen, Mandarina Duck, Sacoor Brothers, Kanz, Pablosky, Toi&Moi, Forever 18, Bijoux Terner, J.Press, Bally, Bruno Magli and Fratelli Rossetti.
In 2008, RTC's plans for its fashion division Rafar were for EUR 7-9 million of investment to be made during 2009 in opening over ten stores on the Romanian market. “If there is no negative influence to change our plans, in 2009 we expect to open at least two stores for each brand in our portfolio, plus the two or three new brands we will bring to Romania,” said Ramona Stanciulescu, Rafar CEO.
According to the representative, the franchise brands are profitable if their sales approach the international average. “The profitability margin on this market is between 5 and 15 percent,” said Stanciulescu of fashion retail.
RTC Group restructured its business in 2007, when it sold several divisions, and has also re-organized its fashion retail division. The group currently comprises several divisions. The best known are Proffice, which sells stationery, the book shop chain Diverta, Cup&Cino coffee shops, Rafar, Rimobi and TC Logistics.
Magda Purice