After repositioning, LaDoiPasi chain reaches 745 stores | Progresiv
LaDoiPasi, the franchise program developed by Metro Cash & Carry, reached 745 stores the end of last year, with 300 new locations opened in 2018, according to Geanina Ghiculescu, Head of Retail Marketing Metro Cash & Carry Romania. 
Metro Cash & Carry has announced the repositioning of the LaDoiPadi proximity format as an independent franchise in 2017, and the target is to reach the 2,000 store by 2020; at the time of the announcement, the chain had 430 units.
"The primary goal of 2019 is a relationship as close as possible to our partners to respond to the needs of the community in a profitable manner, but also to maintain an optimal growth rate of the franchise that will ensure the achievement of the medium-term goal of 2,000 stores. Metro, with the LaDoiPasi brand, is the leader of the proximity segment in Romania and we aim to maintain this position with a sustainable business model tailored to the needs of the entrepreneurs and the specifics of the communities they serve", added Geanina Ghiculescu.
A challenge for the expansion process comes from the human resources area, Geanina Ghiculescu believes.
"One of the great challenges of 2018 for traditional trade was business digitalization, first of all the law of electronic cash registers. Here we have opted for an open and proactive communication with our partners, to which we have provided integrated support in understanding and adopting new systems. Regarding 2019, a new issue that will continue to affect small business is the lack of workforce. In this regard, we aim to offer them viable solutions for identifying the most suitable candidates", added Ghiculescu.
Metro Cash & Carry launched the LaDoiPasi concept on the local market in 2012. Together with Metro Cash & Carry, the biggest players in the proximity segment are Profi (working in this area with all three formats - Profi, Profi City and Profi Loco), Carrefour (Express, Express Orange, Contact), Mega Image (Shop & Go), Lagardere Travel Retail (1 Minute, Hub Conveniece) and Auchan (MyAuchan).
Metro Cash & Carry Romania reported in the financial year 2017 a turnover of 4.72 billion lei, increasing by 8% compared to 2016, according to data reported by the company to the Ministry of Finance.
