Auchan closes the only hypermarket in Chernivtsi: only online format from now on
12 January 01:21
Starting from April 2025, the only Auchan hypermarket in Chernivtsi will cease its physical operations and will operate exclusively online. Customers will be able to order goods through the chain’s official website, auchan.ua, the company said. This was reported by the Auchan press service, Komersant ukrainskyi reports
It is noted that the closure of the store is part of a strategy to optimize business processes and transition to digital services and e-commerce. In 2024, Auchan Ukraine invested in the development of e-commerce, the opening of ultra-neighborhood stores, and the improvement of its loyalty program.
According to Martha Trush, CEO of Auchan Ukraine, the decision to review the work with unprofitable facilities is aimed at improving the business and ensuring its long-term presence in the Ukrainian market.
“We are focusing on digital sales channels from the auchan.ua website to meet the current needs of our customers,” commented Marta Trusch, CEO of Auchan Ukraine.
In the new format, Auchan’s Chernivtsi customers will have access to a wide range of everyday goods (except for fresh products) and additional items available only for online orders.
Auchan Ukraine guarantees support to the hypermarket employees by offering them employment in other stores of the chain in Ukraine.
The company will also continue to implement social projects in Chernivtsi. In particular, the company will support the Tasty with Auchan Foundation initiative, which, together with the Remar Ukraine charity, creates a culinary space for IDPs and people in difficult life circumstances.
Trush added that each employee is offered relocation to other cities where the chain’s stores are present.
It should be noted that in early 2024, Auchan closed its stores in Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih and switched to online mode.
Auchan is one of the few French chains still operating in Russia. The National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) has added the French corporation Auchan to the list of international sponsors of the war.
Earlier it was reported that in the third year of the war, Auchan decided to leave Russia. The company has already found a buyer for its Russian business and is in the final stages of negotiations.
A Le Figaro source close to the company explained the chain’s decision to leave the Russian market by saying that the conditions for Auchan’s business in Russia have deteriorated significantly, in particular due to Western sanctions.
“Unlike other, less cautious European distributors, Auchan strictly adheres to the sanctions imposed on Russia. It does not invest or return a single penny. This puts it at a great disadvantage compared to local players owned by Russian oligarchs, who can do nothing with their money but invest it in their businesses,” the source said.
According to Le Figaro, Auchan now has to coordinate its exit with the Russian authorities and avoid the fate of other foreign companies, such as Danone or Carlsberg, whose assets in Russia were effectively nationalized.