Fnac Eyeing 2nd Brussels Outlet

Paris-based retailer Fnac is planning to open a second store in Brussels, Belgium, by the end of 2006. The chain's Belgian division currently has six outlets: Antwerp, Wijnegem, Leuven, Liège, Ghent, and a 5,000 m2 flagship store at Brussels City 2.

The new store would reside within a prestigious Heron Plaza real estate project in the affluent "upper Brussels area." The project is overseen by British construction company Heron. Local authorities have yet to approve the project, which is opposed by local residents.

"Our Brussels store is facing over-saturation during certain periods of the year," explains a Fnac Belgium spokeswoman. "A new store in Brussels, especially in the more wealthy shopping area of the Avenue de la Toison D'or, would perfectly cater our clients needs for the mix of new technology and culture we offer," she adds.

The new store will have a total surface of 3,500 m2. Fnac currently employs 830 people in Belgium; the new store is expected to create another 150 jobs.

Fnac, which is a division of French retail conglomerate Pinault Printemps-Redoute, has a presence in eight countries. In June 2004, the retailer announced plans to open new outlets in Brazil, Spain and Greece. It operates 41 stores outside France and 67 in France.