Villeneuve-Loubet, situated between Cannes and Nice, hosts a unique Intermarché… Once a typical Géant Casino, it has significantly greater potential. Historically, despite a decade of decline, the hypermarket boasted a turnover exceeding €80 million, positioning it (at least on paper) as the leading Intermarché in France, surpassing Somain in the North and Argelès-sur-Mer in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Achieving this will require a substantial revival 😉 Last year, the hypermarket’s revenue dipped below €55 million.
Two brothers, Romain and Axel Baud, who also run two Intermarché stores in Menton (06), are the new owners (ownership transfers will only occur after approval from the Competition Authority). In the short term, they’ve reduced prices by an average of 20% and improved the hypermarket’s layout. The numerous pallet boxes that once cluttered the central aisle and the TG sides have been removed, enhancing the shopping experience. Since my visit to the hypermarket at the end of last year, it has become more shopper-friendly. Out of the 7,300 m² of sales area, two aisles have even been taken out to expand the others. Additionally, the overwhelming “forest” of overhead signs has vanished, likely sacrificing some promotional space, especially in the PFT where a bit of larger price display would be beneficial… Nonetheless, the hypermarket retains its strengths.
Next year, plans include a complete remodeling of the hypermarket, involving a shift from 15 x 15 tiles to 60 x 60 and the modernization that accompanies it. The goal is to establish itself as a very large supermarket, focused primarily on food. Until then, due to the 20% lower pricing compared to historical figures, the hypermarket has yet to recover its previous performance. However, the aim is to make December the first month of positive growth in a long continuous trend. In the short term, efforts will focus on reducing the effort rate (the rent, which I estimate to be over 5% of the turnover, is thus above what’s reasonable for a hypermarket) and in the long run, aspire to become the top Intermarché.
For the photo tour, feel free to scroll…
Revitalizing Intermarché in Villeneuve-Loubet: A Path to Recovery
Villeneuve-Loubet, nestled between the famous glitz of Cannes and the charm of Nice, houses an Intermarché with a unique story and promising potential. Once thriving as a Géant Casino, this hypermarket finds itself at a pivotal moment in its evolution.
Understanding the Current Situation
Historically, this hypermarket boasted an impressive turnover exceeding €80 million, positioning it as a leading Intermarché in France. However, after a tumultuous decade, the store’s performance dipped below €55 million last year. The challenge ahead involves not just retaining loyal customers but also attracting new ones through extensive renovations and strategic pricing.
Ownership Transition
The baton has been passed to two brothers, Romain and Axel Baud, who also run two Intermarché stores in Menton. This ownership transfer is pending approval from the Competition Authority. With their expertise in managing supermarkets, expectations are high for a fresh approach.
Immediate Changes Implemented
In the short span since the brothers took over, significant steps have already been implemented to rejuvenate the store:
- Price Reductions: Prices have been slashed by an average of 20%, a strategic move to lure back cost-conscious consumers.
- Enhanced Shopping Experience: The layout has undergone a transformation; the clutter of pallet boxes in the central aisle has dissipated. By removing two aisles, the remaining paths have been widened, improving the overall customer experience.
- Visual Clarity: The store has ditched the overwhelming panels of overhead posters, creating a more open and inviting shopping environment.
Design Improvements on the Horizon
Looking ahead to next year, a comprehensive remodeling is slated. Key upgrades will include:
- Replacing outdated 15×15 tiles with modern 60×60 tiles to enhance the store’s aesthetic appeal.
- Fostering an ambiance that reinforces the notion of a large supermarket, with a primary focus on food products.
Revenue Goals and Strategic Planning
The road to recovery will not be instantaneous, but with strategic planning, the aim is to make December 2024 the first month of a positive trend in sales. The brothers aim to lower operational costs, with the goal of reducing rent, which currently consumes over 5% of turnover—a figure deemed excessive for hypermarkets.
Yearly Revenue Overview
| Year | Turnover (€ Million) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 80 | Peak Performance |
| 2022 | 55 | Significant Decline |
| 2023 | Projected Increase | Due to New Management |
Benefits of Revamping Villeneuve-Loubet Intermarché
Revitalizing this hypermarket brings forth numerous advantages:
- Increased Foot Traffic: Improved product displays and layout adjustments can enhance customer navigation and draw in more shoppers.
- Better Customer Retention: By aligning prices with competitor offerings, the store can retain existing customers while attracting new ones.
- Enhanced Brand Reputation: Investing in modern design and customer service can reinstate the store’s reputation, positioning it as a premier shopping destination.
Case Studies: Successful Revamps in Retail
Several supermarkets have successfully transformed their business models, showcasing effective strategies that could be emulated in Villeneuve-Loubet:
Case Study 1: Intermarché in Somain
This location underwent a significant overhaul, focusing on customer experience and community involvement, which saw an increase in foot traffic by 30% within six months.
Case Study 2: Argelès-sur-Mer Intermarché
Here, a marketing campaign focused on local products helped rebuild community ties, leading to a 25% increase in sales after launching initiatives promoting regional producers.
Practical Tips for Optimizing Supermarket Experience
Implementing these strategies can be vital in ensuring the revitalization of Villeneuve-Loubet’s Intermarché:
- Engage with Customers: Create feedback loops via surveys, gathering opinions on what products and services customers wish to see.
- Community Involvement: Host local events or collaborations with local producers to build a base rooted in the community.
- Utilize Digital Platforms: Enhance online presence through social media to showcase promotions and engage with a broader audience.
Visual Insights: Photo Tour of Villeneuve-Loubet Intermarché
For a glimpse into the ongoing changes and revitalization efforts at the Intermarché in Villeneuve-Loubet, browse through our photo gallery, capturing the evolving shopping environment:
