OREANDA-NEWS. DIXY Group has opened its 2,000th ^neighborhoods store under the DIXY brand. Located in Veliky Ustyug, the outlet has already welcomed its first customers. The DIXY chain is present in more than 600 towns and cities in four federal districts, and it accounts for around 79% of Group turnover.

"Just two years ago, we celebrated the opening of the 1,000th DIXY store", said Ilya Yakubson, president of DIXY Group. "In that time, we have doubled the number of outlets and we continue to expand more rapidly. When opening a new store, regardless of its location, we place great emphasis on maintaining quality and service standards".

DIXY stores are located in both cities and smaller places. Around one third of the outlets opened in 2014 are in towns of up to 10,000 people.

"While Russia is becoming more densely populated with retail outlets, the potential for expansion remains vast", said Ilya Yakubson. "Even in central regions, there are many villages and towns where stores offering fresh and high-quality goods at fair prices are vital".

In 2014, DIXY Group is on track not only to meet, but to beat its organic growth target by opening at least 380 new stores. In 2015, the plan is to add another 500 new outlets.

The Group employs around 50,000 people in its stores, offices and distribution centers and is one of the most significant taxpayers in Russia.

OJSC DIXY Group (MOEX: DIXY) is one of Russia's leading retailers of foods and everyday products.

The first DIXY store was opened in Moscow in 1999, and after that the Company has been experiencing the period of the intensive organic development, followed by the maj or acquisition of Victoria Group in June 2011.

As of October 31, 2014, the Company operated 2,093 stores, including 1,966 DIXY neighborhood stores, 92 Victoria stores, 1 CASH store, and 34 compact hypermarkets MegaMart and MiniMart.

The Company operates in Central, Northwest and Urals federal districts of Russia, and in Kaliningrad region. As of October 31, 2014, the Company had a total of 714,026 square meters of selling space.

The Company is the third largest national food retailer by revenue, selling area, and number of stores. The Company employs over 40,000 people.

In May 2007, the Company raised USD 360 mln in its IPO on the RTS and MICEX. A controlling stake of 54.4% in OJSC DIXY Group is owned by Mercury Group of Companies, a diversified holding company.

In 2013, the Company's total revenue amounted to RUR 180 bln (USD 5.7 bln).

The Russian business magazine Expert rates DIXY Group as one of the Top-100 largest Russian companies.