Portuguese retail group Jerónimo Martins has revealed that stores in its new Colombian venture will go under a banner called 'Ara'. The retailer announced its entry into the South American country in December, and is expected to invest €400 million in the venture until 2015. The first of the planned 150-store Ara network is expected to open at the end of March.
Similar to Jerónimo Martins' Polish Biedronka banner, which derives its logo and name from the Polish word for 'ladybird', Ara is the name of a species of macaw, common in Colombia. The typical bright colours of the bird will influence the new banner's logo.
The Portuguese retailer has ambitions to be among the three largest companies in Columbia's grocery retail sector by 2020, according to Hipersuper. (9 Jan)
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
