always cheaper but at what price?

With nearly 850 stores in France, Action has become the favorite brand of our fellow citizens. In a decade, the Dutch discounter has established itself in France. In this period of inflation, its very tight prices attract ever more customers. In 2023, the group’s turnover in Europe increased by almost 30%, exceeding 11 billion euros.

The “Additional Investigation” teams discovered how the brand negotiates with its suppliers to obtain the lowest possible prices, sometimes to the detriment of product quality and safety. Ten toys were tested, and some were found to be non-compliant. The brand, for its part, acknowledges having removed 28 items deemed dangerous from its shelves since 2021.

From receiving products in its warehouses to putting them on the shelves in stores, Action relies on a precise organization where every second counts. This constant tracking of costs is sometimes not without consequences for the 19,000 French employees.

According to internal documents that “Complément d’investigation” obtained, turnover in certain regions would reach a very high level, from 70% to 80%, and the number of occupational illnesses and work accidents would be increasing. increase.

From fans who promote products on social networks to factories in China, including the group’s headquarters in the Netherlands, “Further investigation” into the drivers of success.

An investigation by Nathalie Gros, Blanche Lacroix and Vincent Buchy / Capa Presse.

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