Italian clothing company Benetton has opened its first Hungarian retail store in Budapest. The five-storey, 2500 square metre megastore is one of the 10 biggest Benetton stores in Europe and the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. The store of 50 staff members is capable of handling 600-700 customers at a time.

The investment cost EUR 4m. Definite plans for sales turnover will be prepared on the basis of the performance of the first months, said Emilia Peto, the company's Hungarian representative. She said that, like a number of global brands, Benetton is also involved in manufacturing in the country in its Nagykallo plant (NE Hungary).

The clothing made in Hungary is sold around the world via Benetton's network, including the new store in Budapest. The company also has a factory in Croatia. 80% of products sold in the network are manufactured in Italy.

(NewsBase 10.i.03)