Auchan opens two more stores in Bucharest amid crisis

“Number of Auchan’s clients is increasing, therefore, we cannot say that we feel the effects of the crisis. In fact, I think that in Romania, is more a psychological crisis that affects the consumers’ confidence. This is why many companies without any financial problem yet, take preventive measures or lay off staff”, said Regis Mougel, managing director of the company.

He added that despite the financial crisis, Auchan’s projects in Romania for the next three years would remain unchanged, as the financing had already been allocated for their opening. One of the retailer’s projects consists in opening two new hypermarkets in Bucharest. According to Mougel, a company like Auchan can always contract a loan from banks, as it holds enough liquidity.

Auchan Romania opened the second hypermarket in Bucharest in Militari area. The company said the investment in the outlet amounted to 20 million euros and covers 12.500 sqm retail space and 2,300 parking spaces. In 2009, the company plans to open two more units in Timisoara and Constanta.

Auchan Romania is has six national branches, in Bucharest (2), Pitesti, Cluj, Targu-Mures, Suceava and Timisoara.