Romanian bookstore chain Diverta, which currently runs a network of 23 stores across the country, ended the first half of the year with a turnover of EUR 4.2 million, down 16 percent year-on-year. The retail surface was 30 percent smaller compared to the same period last year.

“At the end of 2013, given the Romanians’ small budget for personal development and thus for the products sold by Diverta, we had to reconsider the spaces allocated even for our best performing stores,” said Amalia Buliga, CEO Diverta.

The company’s turnover in 2013 was of EUR 11 million, with book sales accounting for 36 percent of that. Toy sales generated about 20 percent and stationery products - 24 percent.

This year, the company expanded the surface of the store located in Cluj and plans to open a new store in the country.

Diverta’s policy for the coming period is to strengthen the business and to improve the performance of the current locations, according to Amalia Buliga.

Diverta runs a network of 23 stores with a total retail space of 7,900 sqm and employs 205 people.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com