RUSSIA: Auchan faces new regulations | Progresiv
Auchan has been told to stop selling products in bulk and unpackaged food in Russia. Consumer watchdog Rospotrebnadzor has imposed the ruling on Auchan, which covers products from tea to confectionery and dried foods. Auchan has long had self-discount or bulk buying aisles in stores, particularly in its French hypermarkets. 
They are popular as they allow customers to buy exactly the amount they need, saving them money and reducing waste. Auchan has been having a difficult time in Russia this year, having been fined around 359,000 euros following inspections in its stores, although the ban on imported products has had a muted impact on the retailer.
Auchan is to open three new hypermarkets by the end of 2015, according to reports, bringing this year's new openings to eight. A similar pace will continue in 2016, with ten hypermarkets planned, increasing the level of investment by almost 20%. (www.igd.com)
