Metro plans new stores for Russia

The German retail combine Metro Group is planning to open 15 new stores in Russia in the 2006 fiscal year, and is planning further ambitious expansion in the country over the next five years. Included in the expansion programme will be the opening of the first Russian outlets under the Media Markt banner. Media Markt outlets are set to open Moscow and St Petersburg.

In addition, the company plans to open eight Metro Cash & Carry stores in 2006. Six of these will be in cities where Metro is not currently present. There are also plans to open five Real hypermarkets in the country.