Darty, owner of the Datart electronic retail chain, plans to sell off its network of shops in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Spain. The company aims to cut its losses that stem from Europe’s weak economy and fierce competition, with the goal of reducing its operational costs, writes the Financial Times.
Darty started the revaluation of its activities four months ago, and the result is a total shift of focus to its core markets in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. The company sold its British chain Comel earlier this year. Comel filed for bankruptcy in autumn and plans to close its 195 outlets. DPS Group bought 20 Darty’s shops in Italy. In the Czech Republic, Datart operates 31 outlets and an e-shop. In the fiscal year 2010/11 it reported a loss of CZK 7.3m.
