Auchan celebrated its 50th birthday yesterday in style, with celebrations taking place in its stores across France. At one of the largest Auchan outlets, in Noyelles-Godault, staff staged a 'flash mob' choreographed dance, encompassing 100 staff members. A planned balloon race at the store was cancelled however due to high winds.
On 6th July, 1961, a young Gerard Mulliez opened his first store in Roubiax, Northern France, giving birth to an international organisation that now boasts over 260,000 employees.
In an interview with Les Echoes, current president Vianney Mulliez said that much of the growth taking place in the group is coming from areas "that were not there ten years ago", such as 'Drive', 'convenience' and 'e-commerce'. (7 Jul)
© 2011 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
