Makro increases business in interior of São Paulo
Valor Econômico
The chain Makro, the greatest wholesaler of the country, took one more step in its strategy of expansion in the interior of São Paulo, with the inauguration, in the last two months, of two stores, one in Franca and another one in Taubaté. With that, the chain already amounts to a total of 23 stores in the State of São Paulo, six being in the capital, four in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, one on the coast and 12 in the interior. In August, the chain also inaugurates a new store in Marilia. "The new stores are in compliance with our goal of strengthening and keeping our strong position in the State of São Paulo, which is responsible for something around 20% to 25% of the sales of the group", said the Vice-President of Operations and Sales of the company, Martin Winkel.
The amount invested in the stores of Taubaté and Franca, of R$ 30 million (US$ 15.5 million), is part of the total investment of R$ 240 million (US$ 124.4 million) foreseen for the opening of ten stores, ten restaurants and 14 gas stations this year. The chain also aims at strengthening its operations in regions in which it still does not operate, like Rio Branco, in the State of Acre and Palmas, in Tocantins. For the end of this month, according to Winkel, it is foreseen the inauguration of a unit in Vila Velha (ES) and in September it should be the time of Palmas. "Our growth plan is focusing the North, Northeast and Southeast, but in the next years we want to have at least one Makro store in every Brazilian State". For this year, the goal is to achieve a total of 23 States.