MINSK, 17 March (BelTA) – Belwest plans to open about 70 chain stores in Russia in 2011, BelTA learnt from the Olga Klimenkova, economist of the company’s marketing department. The chain stores will be set up in 24 Russian cities including Volgograd, Krasnodar, and Orenburg. The company will also expand its distributing network in the Urals and Volga regions. In 2010 the Belarusian company opened more than 30 chain stores in 28 cities of Russia. Belwest runs 72 chain stores in more than 50 Russian cities. Most of them are situated in the Central Federal District of Russia. Belwest opened its first chain stores in Russia in 1990s The company’s commodity-distribution network in the neighboring country has been making great progress over the last two years. The company presents its whole lineup in the Russian Federation, Olga Klimenkova said. Belwest has also eight chain stores in Latvia. The company runs 27 stores in Belarus. Belwest plans to open five chain stores in Belarusian cities (in Pinsk, Soligorsk, Zhlobin, Bobruisk, and Baranovichi). In 2010 Belwest opened its stores in Brest, Gomel and Mozyr. The company is to invest more than Br20 billion in the upgrading and distribution network development in 2011-2015. The Belwest company was founded by the Vitebsk footwear producer Krasny Oktyabr and Germany’s Salamander. In 2002, Belwest became a Belarus-Russia joint venture. The company’s core business is the production of leather footwear for men and women. In the recent years, the company expanded its lineup of fashion shoes and sports shoes.

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