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Since the start of the year, on Nuit France, we have been dealing with a difficult subject. Many stores are closing their doors permanently, because of the current economic situation. Supermarkets are not left out.
Indeed, the mass distribution landscape in France continues to transform. A major brand is preparing to close or sell several of its points of salea direct consequence of a major buyout operation. Near you, expect significant changes.
Supermarkets disappearing for good
Thursday November 28, 2024, The High Authority for Competition gave the green light to the acquisition by Intermarché of 200 stores belonging to the Casino group. This decision marks a new stage in the restructuring of a group that has been in serious financial difficulty for several years.
It was difficult to predict such a development for the Casino group's supermarkets. The latter, still in 2022, had 200,000 employees. But, as the months went by, his situation began to deteriorate. So, since the start of the year, we have already noted the closure of 449 supermarkets. Today, the company employs fewer than 30,000 people.
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This figure could continue to fall. Indeed, a social plan is under discussion at the time of writing these lines. This plan threatens between 2,400 and 2,900 additional jobs. But Casino is not saying its last word and does not want to disappear. To save the group's supermarkets, a strategy is necessary.
Casino looking for new impetus
To recover, Casino's new management is relying on a series of strategies based on diversification and adaptation to new consumption habits. These priorities include different aspects.
First, Casino wants to develop franchises, in order to delegate management to local entrepreneurs. Afterwards, the group sees changes in consumer habits. So, it wants to respond to frequent purchases, but low volumes, by reorganizing supermarkets.
The group is not forgetting take-out catering, which is booming, as are additional services, such as parcel relays. These strategies should allow the Casino brand to survive and regain its strength in a competitive sector. Fans of the group's supermarkets hope that the latter will find the right solutions.
Supermarkets on borrowed time
The Intermarché brand, by taking over several Casino supermarkets, has achieved a great strategic move. However, the group cannot deviate from the laws. So, it is impossible for it to keep all the points of sale to respect competition rules and avoid price increases. So, Casino will have to sell at least 11 stores to other brands.
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But be careful, these supermarkets will not close their doors. They will be put on sale and taken up by other distributors. For consumers accustomed to Casino products, This change of brand could, however, be synonymous with disappointment.
The following supermarkets are currently on hold: Arc-lès-Gray (70), Bagnères-de-Luchon (31), Blanzac-lès-Matha (17), Boé (47), Charlieu (42), Lambesc (13), Lorgues (83), Revel (31 ), Solliès-Pont (83), Susville (38) and Valence-d'Agen (82).
The Competition Authority specifies, however, that this operation does not concern the 61 Casino stores that Intermarché has owned since 2023. These new transfers aim to maintain a balance on the marketby offering opportunities to other players in mass distribution.
