Retail developers already planning for Svitavy by-pass

A planned by-pass of the town of Svitavy isn't scheduled for completion for another four years, but retail developers are already fighting for space along it. Idnes.cz reports that a Uni Hobby DIY store is nearly done with construction of its newest outlet, located near the road leading out of town towards Moravska Třebová. The store, which is owned by the Czech mogul Jiří Šimáně through his company Global Stores, is already hiring sales staff.

CPI Property Group is also involved through its development subsidiary Orco Property Group, which bought over a hectare of land near the by-pass where Idnes.cz writes that a new Lidl supermarket is to be opened. That news has made some in the city concerned, because Lidl recently opened a supermarket in one of Svitavy's housing estates. Locals are worried what will happen to the space if Lidl closes the store, since those without a car won't be able to shop at the new one. "Lidl claims they have someone who would be interested in the store, but if those are just words, we can't do much about it," said the town's deputy mayor. "It's up to them whether they sell the building or rent it out."
„Sice Lidl tvrdí, že mají někoho, kdo by o prodejnu stál, pokud však zůstane jen u slov, my s tím moc nezmůžeme. Je to jejich obchodní věc, zda objekt prodají nebo pronajmou,“ řekl místostarosta Svitav.