Tesco to open two low-energy stores in the Czech Republic

The Tesco Stores retail chain will open its first two low-energy stores in the Czech Republic this year, the company spokesman said on Tuesday. The first will be in Zatec in northern Bohemia, due to open in June, and the second in Ricany near Prague later in the year. Tesco's new distribution centre in Postrizin in the vicinity of Prague will be equipped with alternative sources of energy including a small wind power plant. Tesco would not disclose the size of investment. Energy consumption in the low energy stores will be at least a third lower compared with traditional shops. Tesco entered the Czech market in 1996, and now operates 84 hypermarkets, supermarkets and department stores in the country.