After months of rumors, the news has just been confirmed and what we feared is about to happen. Indeed, Auchan, which employs thousands of people, plans to close several stores in different cities in France. We explain everything to you in detail.
On Tuesday, November 5, Auchan announced the elimination of nearly 2,400 positions throughout France. If the dreaded news was not yet confirmed, the group's announcement lifted the veil on this mystery. Indeed, many points of sale belonging to the group will close, three of which hypermarkets and a very popular supermarket in two cities. If things come to fruition, we will be facing the biggest social plan that the distributor has ever known, underlines the national FO delegate, Christophe Delay. After the disappearance of 121 Casino group stores, it is Auchan's turn to go by the wayside. Here is a list of cities affected by this measure.
An economic crisis difficult to manage
Is this the end of Auchan?
Auchan is one of the major players in distribution in the same way as Carrefour, but for years it has been going through a difficult economic crisis. To avoid permanently putting the key under the doormat, the distributor presented a reorganization plan including the closure of numerous stores and consequently, a reduction in staff. The objective is to stop the hemorrhage that threatens the group financially by reducing costs and adjusting activities to meet market demand. To this end, many cities are affected by this decision which will cause several employees to lose their jobs.
Clermont-Ferrand north (Puy-de-Dôme)
The distributor plans to close three hypermarkets in the northern Clermont-Ferrand region. The reasons which pushed Auchan to close these points of sale are among others: the drop in attendance rate and one high competition in the area. According to officials, this closure will reduce costs. However, the closure risks leading to the elimination of several jobs in the city and its surroundings. Remember that Auchan is one of the rare distributors who ask customers for identification to carry out shopping.
Woippy
The town of Woippy located in Moselle is also affected by Auchan's decision. Indeed, the hypermarket present in this area will be closed due to the difficult situation of the store, not to mention the high operating costs. Unfortunately, the closure of this point of sale will impact the local jobsunderlines La Dépêche.
Bar-le-Duc
The hypermarket located in the Meuse, more precisely in Bar-le-Duc, is included in the list of closures planned by the Auchan France group. The reasons for this closure are linked to the financial difficulties the store is facing due to the absence of customers and a low profitability. Once again, this closure represents a job loss for people, but will also affect local traders.
Other cities affected by the closure and effects of this reorganization
Aurillac
The Auchan supermarket located in Aurillac in Cantal also meets economic problemswhich could lead to its closure. Let us recall that the population density in this city is low, a reason that explains the store's inability to attract customers and maintain business.
A big social plan
After the takeover of certain Casino group stores creating new jobs, Auchan finds itself in a similar position. Indeed, the group's restructuring plan provides for the elimination of nearly 2,400 positions, a rather worrying figure. However, Auchan is committed to offering support solutions for employees who will lose their jobs. It may be a voluntary departure planof a retraining training or reclassification leave. In addition, the group plans to create around 114 positions in the drive sectors and 205 jobs in support functions. Remember that in 2020, Auchan had already faced a crisis leading to the voluntary departure of 500 employees.
France
