Sales during the fasting month and `Lebaran` [post-fasting festivities] could account for one-third of the annual average sales."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - PT Matahari Department Store is expecting to book 33.3 percent of its annual sales, which reach Rp100 billion per outlet, in the upcoming fasting month and post-fasting festivities, according to the company`s chief financial officer, Richard Gibson.

Matahari has stocked up two months ahead of the fasting month, which is expected to start on July 20, 2012.

"Sales during the fasting month and `Lebaran` [post-fasting festivities] could account for one-third of the annual average sales," Richard said.

He noted that the prices of all goods sold at the company`s stores usually went up during the period. "The biggest sales contribution usually comes from shoe sales," Richard added.

One of the major department store chains in Indonesia, Matahari is planning to open 12 to 15 new outlets in various parts of the country.

"This year we have opened four outlets already. After the Lebaran festivities, we will establish two more outlets," Richard stated.

He explained that the opening of an outlet would need an investment of about Rp13-50 billion, depending on the size of the plot of land needed for the outlet.

"For the opening of the stores, Matahari is allocating 75 percent of its 2012 capital expenditure of Rp400 billion," Richard added. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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