FRANCE: Auchan hypermarkets struggling | Progresiv
Sales at Auchan France's hypermarkets fell by 2.8%, excluding fuel, in 2015 according to reports published in French trade magazine Linéaires. The results follow falls of 1.2% in 2014 and 2.6% in 2013. They are in stark contrast with those of Auchan Drive, where sales were up 10% last year as indicated by Olivier Dauvers. 
Retailers in Western Europe that have enjoyed the strongest sales growth in 2105 have undertaken similar initiatives in recent years and focused on implementing a consistent strategy, one facet of which has been creating appealing large stores. Auchan plans to invest 1 billion euros in its French hypermarkets over 2015-17. The investment, more than 50% greater than previously envisaged, will primarily go towards renovating existing stores. (www.igd.com)
