Risparmio Casa, a major Italian home and personal care business, has announced plans to open 10 outlets in Malta, including three next year.

Italian news outlet La Stampa reported that Risparmio Casa – which owns 150 establishments in Italy and one in Switzerland – plans to open its Maltese outlets over the next five years, covering the main areas of the island.

They expect their investment to create around 150 new jobs on the island.

Gdoweek reported that its first outlet will be situated in Mosta, a 1,000 square metre store with 15 employees.

“We are exporting our sales and development model that we have consolidated in Italy in recent years,” Risparmio Casa’s co-founder Stefano Battistelli said. “We believe we can be successful in the Maltese market, which is so far dominated by small local shops. Malta is close to Italy, it has prospects for economic growth, and several international retailers have already tapped into it.”

His brother and fellow co-founder Fabio Battistelli said the Maltese investment will not only prove to be a “great added value” for Risparmio Casa but for Malta’s “economic and social fabric”.

While consumers will undoubtedly be pleased at the prospect of purchasing household items at relatively low prices, the arrival of Risparmio Casa could also deal another major blow to small businesses.

Cover photo: Credit: Risparmio Casa (Facebook)