Drugstore chains grow while independent drugstores disappear

Sensiblu, Help Net and Centrofarm recorded sales increases ranging from 20 to 40% in the first nine months of this year compared with the similar period of 2008 amid an elimination of the cap on subsidised drugs and the expansion recorded in the second half of last year. On the other hand, independent drugstores are preparing for shutdowns amid difficult circumstances generated by the extended deadlines for payment. According to a survey conducted by the Romanian Academic Society (SAR), around 10% of drugstores in Romania have been brought before court for defaulting on their payments. Sensiblu, market leader with 220 drugstores, saw a 41% turnover rise to 573.7 million RON (135 million euros), whilst Help Net rose by 23% to 50 million euros. Companies such as Sensiblu and Help Net have joint shareholders with large distributors, so they have the necessary financial support. Centrofarm is the chain that has seen the biggest expansion over the last few years. "We opened 23 drugstores last year, more than half of which in the second half of the year," Dorin Catana said, explaining the company's performance.