Large retail chains are planning to expand in the Czech Republic next year despite decreasing demand, according to a ČTK poll. Intersport will invest tens of millions of crowns into two to four new outlets. Wholesaler Makro announced it will open small stores around Prague as well as new distribution centers in Brno and the capital. The total investment should cost CZK 60m. Kaufland also has widespread expansion plans, with new outlets opening throughout the Czech Republic. Lidl is completing a new supermarket in Litoměřice in north Bohemia and Billa plans to open 10 new supermarkets next year. Meanwhile, Tesco will focus on expanding its online sales through Potraviny On-line. Tesco opened 17 new outlets this year. IKEA plans to open three outlets in Prague, Pilsen and Hradec Králové in the mid-term, and invest CZK 4bn into them.
