Auchan, the French supermarket giant operating under the Alcampo brand in Spain, will lay off 710 employees and shut down 25 stores as part of a strategic overhaul to adapt to evolving consumer behaviour. The company announced on Thursday that it will pivot away from large-format supermarkets in favour of smaller retail outlets and strengthen its online shopping platform.
The move comes amid a broader trend across the retail sector, where consumers increasingly prefer convenience-focused shopping through local stores and digital platforms over traditional hypermarkets. Auchan stated the decision aims to align operations with new shopping habits and improve long-term competitiveness.
The job cuts will affect roles across the closed locations and some central functions, though the company has not disclosed details on potential redeployment or support for affected employees. The shift marks a significant restructuring of Auchan’s presence in Spain, where it faces stiff competition from discount and online retailers.
Auchan’s restructuring aligns with wider transformations in the retail workforce, with companies rebalancing staffing needs to match consumer shifts and digital expansion. The company reaffirmed its commitment to investing in smaller-format stores and growing its e-commerce footprint in Spain as it repositions for the future.