Work on the first Mr. Bricolage store in Skopje, Macedonia, is progressing well. The opening of the store is planned for the first quarter of 2012. The store will cover a surface area of 2,440 m².

The site of the future store lies on a main road leading to the centre of the Macedonian capital, Skopje.

Macedonia is located in the Balkan peninsula. This Republic state was formed after the breakup of Yugoslavia. Macedonia is bordered by Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. The republic of Macedonia submitted a request to join the European Union in 2004.

The population of Macedonia includes a total of slightly over 2 million inhabitants, of which one third live in the capital city. 59% of the population lives in an urban area. Macedonia covers a surface area of approximately 25,000 km² (equivalent to the surface area of the Netherlands) and mainly consists of mountain areas.

The Mr.Bricolage store in Gignac has recently finished painting its external walls. The former store has been entirely repainted and can now boast some bright new colours.

The inside has been completely renovated. While the surface area of 918 m² has not changed, customers will have difficulty recognising their old sales outlet. All fittings and shelving have been moved, the alleys have been widened and larger podium areas have been arranged.

Customers will find the new store spacious and pleasant from the moment they step in the door. Indications and signs have been improved to ensure customers can find the frequently-used products they need rapidly. This makeover proves our active approach for local stores.

The Mr.Bricolage store in Gignac (Hérault) is modifying its range and re-organising its internal fittings.

This hyper-local store with its 993 m² is located 34 km to the north west of Montpellier. The store team assisted by central service providers and specialists in merchandising is modifying the internal layout of furniture. The layout of departments has been changed and many central islands have been created in the different store sectors. The new sales plan completely revised and dedicated to local rural stores, is currently being applied. The store product range has not been substantially changed and customers will find all the product families available in the old store.

Work is making progress, and the store will be ready for 31 March, the official opening date.

The Mr.Bricolage store in Lillebonne, Seine-Maritime, is currently undergoing works. In just a few months, the store will gain an extra 2000+ m² (3,000 > 5,000+ m²).

A full-on challenge for the entire store team. From the word go, the aim was to complete the works without closing the store. This is essential for local stores to ensure customer satisfaction, irrespective of the conditions.

The store has gradually grown from 1,000 to 3,000 m² since its opening in 1981. However, this time, customers will have a bigger surprise: new entrance opposite the town hall, better lighting, wide alleys, new look and improved product displays, and, above all, their suggestions put into practice.

Recruitment is underway to accompany this extansion. The aim is to ensure a total workforce of 45 for the official opening next March.

The future Mr.Bricolage store in Chalon sur Saône will soon be undercover. Its magnificent wooden structure is gradually gaining a roof. Wood is increasingly used in the construction of commercial and industrial buildings. In addition to its eye-pleasing properties, wood can be used to cover long spans and avoid the presence of multiple beams in the centre of the building. Wood is also safer in case of fire as it will not deform in case of high temperatures as steel will.

The future store with a surface area of 3,700 m² is due to open in the autumn. This store will complete the options available to the population of Châlon in terms of home furnishings, maintenance and decoration.