Auchan looks to launch two concepts in 2011 and 2012

French retailer Auchan is looking to launch two new concepts in 2011 and 2012. The first will be in Betton, close to Rennes, and will be called Auchan Maison (Auchan Home). Over a sales area of 11,000 square metres, the retailer promises to introduce something that has been "never seen and never done before". Inspired by Wal-Mart superstores, the outlet will be a non-food speciality store with household goods and furnishing with the objective for turnover to reach around EUR50 million (USD67.20 million) annually. The store is likely to open in 2011 and will include a shopping gallery and an Auchan Drive. The retailer will also be opening an Auchan Gourmand in Marseille in the Cap Est shopping centre. Over a sales area of 4,557 square metres, the store will target urban clientele with a deli, organic food and convenience products. It is likely to open in 2012. It is also rumoured that the retailer will carry out several “spectacular” acquisitions over the next few years.

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