France: Top management change at Auchan
Strategy for 2020 remains in place
The French business has had a difficult time of late, with reports saying most recent results (first nine months of 2014) have revealed a fall in turnover and profit below expectations. However, communications director Emmanuel Zeller said changes in the leadership were made more on the basis of strategic considerations than short-term business results. He added that all plans are in place for Auchan's strategy up to 2020. Furthermore, Vincent Mignot, managing director for France, remains in his role and Henri Mathias will manage the transition period while a successor is found, so there are unlikely to be dramatic changes in focus for the time being.
E-commerce investment in Spain
In Spain, another challenging part of the business, Auchan has been strengthening its e-commerce business in the run-up to Christmas, adding the key seasonal category of toys to the assortment. Also in Spain, Auchan is reportedly considering payment by number plate recognition technology for use at its petrol station click and collect sites to speed up transactions.
First store in Tajikistan?
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has allocated a finance package of EUR5m to Schiever Tajikistan, a subsidiary of French company Schiever group which partners with Auchan in France and Poland. Schiever will operate the master franchise for Tajikistan and is said to be opening a 5,000 sq. m hypermarket.
Source: igd.com
