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Poland
Poland represents the group’s first entry onto the central European market, with a total of 25 Auchan hypermarkets: 21 are owned 100% and 4 are owned by Schiever Polska, a subsidiary that is 50% owned by Groupe Auchan and 50% by the Schiever group.
The chain is recognised as a leader for price positioning across all customer attraction areas.
The group has also created two supermarket chains: Elea which were converted to the Simply Market banner beginning of 2009, and A-tak.
This discount format provides a simplified offering.
Banque Accord, through its subsidiary Accord Finance, has developed lending products and has launched its own Auchan Visa card.
Immochan, which supports the group’s development, manages more than 880 shops in Auchan hypermarket shopping centres and is initiating the creation of out-of-town shopping centres.
Key dates
1996 The first Auchan hypermarket opens its doors in the inner suburbs of Warsaw, in Piaseczno.
2001 The first hypermarket, owned 50% by Auchan and 50% by the Schiever group, is opened at Zielona Gora. Banque Accord creates a Polish subsidiary, with local partners. The acquisition of the Billa chain marks the start of supermarket activities in Poland. The employee share ownership scheme is launched in the hypermarkets.
2002 Billa supermarkets are rebranded Elea.
2003 Banque Accord sells Accord Polska and creates Accord Finance, with Lukas Bank.
2005 The discount supermarket chain A-tak is created. Immochan creates Immochan Poland.
2008 Creation of the Simply Market chain.
2009 Opening of Auchan Bonarka (Krakow), the Group's 500th hypermarket.