dm Bulgaria to invest over 15 million levs in expansion
In the next financial year dm Bulgaria plans to invest over 15 million levs in expanding and upgrading its existing stores. The company typically opens 7-8 new locations annually, and new stores are expected in Botevgrad and Burgas, as well as expansions in Velingrad and Vidin. Additionally, a new store will open in Sofia's Sveta Troitsa neighborhood in early 2025.
The company aims to enhance its stores with modernized designs, improved shopping experiences, and self-checkout systems. In the past year, dm Bulgaria saw a 28% increase in sales, reaching over 397.7 million levs, with a 53% jump in online sales. The store network has expanded to 114 locations, and major investments in logistics, including doubling the distribution center near Elin Pelin, will continue to support future growth.
API announces record tender for road maintenance days before elections
The Road Infrastructure Agency (API) has announced a record-breaking tender worth 2.25 billion levs for the maintenance of Bulgaria's primary, secondary, and tertiary roads just three days before national elections.
Road maintenance has been a contentious issue in recent years, contributing to the collapse of the Petkov government. Unlike previous years, this tender is divided into nine geographic regions, with API planning to sign framework agreements with three companies for each region. Previously, only one company or consortium handled contracts per region.
Surprisingly, API did not issue a press release about the tender, despite regularly updating the public on smaller projects. Investigations have revealed systemic issues with road maintenance contracts, where larger-than-expected sums are awarded without public tenders, raising concerns about transparency and the lack of external auditing on these contracts.
European prosecutor's investigation delays major gas storage expansion
The only clear outcome so far from the European Prosecutor's investigation into Bulgaria's state gas operator, Bulgartransgaz, is the indefinite delay of the Chiren gas storage expansion. Although unconfirmed by the Ministry of Energy, reports suggest that the main contractor, Glavbolgarstroy (GBS), has withdrawn from the 600 million euro project.
This raises concerns about the investigation's impact on Bulgaria's energy infrastructure and the gas dynamics in the Balkans, where Chiren plays a key role. The project is of strategic importance, backed by 78 million euro from the EU and classified as a priority under the Three Seas initiative. The expansion was expected to double capacity and modernize the facility to meet regional market demands.
dm Bulgaria to invest over 15 million levs in expansion
In the next financial year dm Bulgaria plans to invest over 15 million levs in expanding and upgrading its existing stores. The company typically opens 7-8 new locations annually, and new stores are expected in Botevgrad and Burgas, as well as expansions in Velingrad and Vidin. Additionally, a new store will open in Sofia's Sveta Troitsa neighborhood in early 2025.
