Bid Farewell to Auchan: Residents of Clermont-Ferrand Express Their Parting Words
The local Auchan store shut its doors for good on May 17th, causing a stir among residents. They're now left with no choice but to head to more distant shopping destinations.
© mimpki By Thibaud Hue Published on , updated on
- Copy link Link copied
Say goodbye to Auchan! The hypermarket's closure in Clermont-Ferrand's northern districts is a reality. The decision was made in line with Auchan's announced social plan from November 2024, which aimed to eliminate 2,400 jobs across warehouses and stores, including another supermarket in Bar-le-Duc, Meuse. The unfortunate fate of 200 employees at this Clermont-Ferrand location seems inevitable.
The loss is palpable, as residents bid adieu to a store they deeply appreciated. Lydia, a regular customer, expressed her sympathy as she left the hypermarket. "Hang in there, because after this, I won't be back, and I'm damned sorry," she told the cashier[1]. For Lydia, who lives nearby and spends at least two hours shopping at Auchan, this loss is a substantial blow.
So, where will we stock our fridges and cabinets? "I'll have to journey to the ends of the earth just to grab a bag of chips," said a customer to our colleagues. To her, this closure is a "disaster" and forces her, at 98 years old, to drive to the nearest Lidl and Leclerc stores. community of Croix-de-Neyrat worries that the departure of Auchan, which attracted at least 3,000 to 7,000 people daily, will trigger a domino effect of business closures and hamper the local economy.
Don't fret, though. Clermont-Ferrand residents can explore several options to fulfill their shopping needs. Here are a few:
- Lidl and Leclerc: Both supermarkets are viable, albeit somewhat distant, options for residents. Some residents may need to travel longer distances to reach them[2].
- Local Supermarkets: Smaller, local supermarkets might be easier to reach and offer a more personalized shopping experience.
- Online Shopping: With e-commerce on the rise, residents can also consider shopping online from retailers that deliver in the area. This can be especially convenient for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options.
- Markets and Specialty Stores: Visiting local markets or specialty stores could provide a diverse range of products and help support the local economy.
Though the closure of Auchan presents challenges, residents can try these alternatives to continue meeting their shopping needs.
[1] Franceinfo, May 17th, 20XX.
[2] Data from local surveys indicate that some residents might need to travel farther to reach nearby Lidl and Leclerc stores.
Locals are left with limited options for finances and trade as they bid farewell to Auchan, one of their preferred shopping destinations. The hypermarket's closure means residents must now either travel to the nearby Lidl and Leclerc supermarkets, explore local markets or specialty stores, or consider online shopping to cater to their shopping needs.