FRANCE: Auchan’s growth driven by Eastern Europe and Asia | Progresiv
Auchan has reported a 14.7% increase in revenue for 2014, driven by strong performances in Eastern Europe and Asia, particularly the full consolidation of Chinese operation Sun Art Retail Group. 
Group revenue fell in France (-2.2%) mainly due to price cuts, and was down -6% in Western Europe as a whole, because of difficulties in Italy. Despite mixed trends in Europe, Auchan believes recovery plans initiated in France and Italy in 2014 should start to show results this year. Auchan said the buying agreements in these markets with Système U and SISA should improve purchasing terms and consequently profitability.
Revenues in Central and Eastern Europe were up 5.9%. Expenses associated with the ongoing consolidation of Real stores, particularly in Poland where the acquisition was not finalised until 4 February 2014, affected profit growth.
Sun Art and e-commerce boost hypermarkets revenue
The full consolidation of Sun Art helped boost revenue at the hypermarkets division. In addition Auchan rolled out further e-commerce services at hypermarkets, including one-hour pick-up, in-store availability of all products offered on Auchan.fr, and online pick-up at hypermarkets. (www.retailanalysis.igd.com)
