Auchan Romania continues to develop its multi-format network and is launching a franchise program, a new approach by the retailer in the proximity segment, dedicated to entrepreneurs in the food trade.

The first franchise store, Simply by Auchan, was inaugurated on Thursday, June 27, in Popești Leordeni, Ilfov County.

With over 430 stores in its portfolio, Auchan has developed an omnichannel commerce and multi-format network in its 18 years of activity, currently having 29 classic hypermarkets, 4 ATAC Hyper Discount hypermarkets, 7 supermarkets, the AuchanGo automated store, nearly 400 MyAuchan ultra-proximity stores, most of which are located in Petrom stations, as well as the online store auchan.ro.

Continuing this ecosystem and focusing on developing the proximity segment, the retailer is launching its own franchise program, offering Romanian entrepreneurs the opportunity to open a turnkey business in retail under the Simply by Auchan brand.

“The launch of the franchise program means taking Auchan to the next level, and this program comes with extraordinary opportunities. We want to offer entrepreneurs the Auchan difference and bring our products closer to every Romanian.

We have been working for over a year to consolidate this model, integrating the experience accumulated from already developed large-scale partnerships, and we are convinced that we have outlined a successful model, a complete package of products, services, and support that differentiates us in the market. Our goal is to develop this concept and place as many Simply by Auchan stores on Romania's map in the next year,” said Ionuț Ardeleanu, General Manager of Auchan Retail Romania.

What are the criteria for operating a Simply by Auchan franchise?

To be eligible, a potential franchisee must own a commercial space, specifically for food, with a sales area between 60-200 square meters.

As franchisees, entrepreneurs operating a Simply store will benefit from operational support from Auchan, which includes rethinking the store's image and layout, transforming it in terms of modern elements that offer additional attractiveness, suggestions for improving the range, access to an easy-to-operate product ordering platform, support for reopening, and continuous assistance in operating the store from dedicated partnership personnel.

Additionally, franchisees will benefit from a training package containing operational information about the Auchan universe, retail activities under the Auchan brand, and the retailer's franchise system.

Entrepreneurs interested in the Auchan franchise program can send a partnership request to the email address [email protected].

Advantages of a Simply by Auchan franchise

With the development of this partnership, Auchan offers retail entrepreneurs a series of advantages and benefits, including:

• Differentiation in the market through a range of products created in Auchan production laboratories
• Access to Auchan's own brands range
• Belonging to the Auchan brand ecosystem, with all the advantages that derive from this
• Cooperation with a renowned brand in terms of the quality of services and prices offered to consumers

The first Simply by Auchan store opened in Popești Leordeni

With a surface area of over 200 square meters, the first Simply store is located at Drumul Fermei, no. 53, Popești-Leordeni, in place of the Caro Supermarket. By operating the Simply franchise, the store has been completely renovated and modernized, offering customers a diversified range of over 3,000 food products - fruits & vegetables, frozen products, groceries, etc., including iconic products from Auchan's bakery and pastry, as well as an updated category of non-food products including personal care items, home cleaning products, pet products, and more.

The first Simply by Auchan franchisee has been active in commerce since 2012, with the Popești Leordeni store being a family business opened in 2013. Alexandra Măgureanu, the business owner, justifies the decision to join Auchan's franchise program through the association with the brand, the quality of Auchan products, and the affordable prices offered to customers.

“I am delighted to open the first store in the Auchan franchise and thank the team for all the support provided. I believe this partnership is a tremendous support for entrepreneurs - both through the association with a nationally and internationally renowned brand, and through the commercial expertise from the first moment, which helps improve product ranges and thus create a visible difference compared to other stores in the area.

I appreciate the freedom offered in this partnership in terms of acquisitions, as well as access to exclusive Auchan products at an excellent quality-price ratio. I am confident in the development of this business, I desire a long-term collaboration and, in the near future, even the opening of a new location,” stated Alexandra Măgureanu.

The Simply by Auchan store is open daily from 6:30 to 22:00 and offers customers a range of useful services, such as recycling beverage packaging with the SGR symbol (manual collection), a bill payment device, and an ATM.