Auchan expanding in Portugal and Poland | Progresiv

Following its exit from Italy, Auchan is continuing to invest elsewhere in Europe to grow its store base. Recent announcements have seen country operations in Poland and Portugal discuss growth opportunities.

Speaking at the reopening of a store in the city, Auchan Retail Portugal’s general director, Pedro Cid, discussed how the retailer wanted to operate at least 80 to 90 stores in Lisbon. The target would see it raise its network in Greater Lisbon from 30 presently and provide it with strong coverage in the region. Cid noted the expansion plan for Greater Lisbon would be completed before Auchan moved on to adding stores elsewhere in the country.

Separately, Auchan has said it is looking to investigate opportunities to franchise its supermarket and convenience store banners in Poland. Some of its hypermarkets in the country are already franchised, by the Schiever Group, which will remain the case moving forward. Discussing the opportunity, Auchan Poland’s director of franchising and partnerships, Stephane Delaunay, pointed to the retailer’s long-standing and experience of franchising both in the country and globally. (retailanalysis.igd.com)