Latest news with #Auchan
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Auchan to sell 19 french supermarkets to Lidl
French supermarket group Auchan will sell 19 stores in its home market to Germany's Lidl as it seeks to improve its financial position and avoid further job cuts, the two businesses said on Wednesday. Battered by a decline in customer traffic for over ten years, Auchan said last November that it would cut over 2,000 jobs in France and in May announced the closure of 25 stores and over 700 job cuts in Spain. The companies did not disclose financial details of the transaction. Auchan, which operates large supermarkets in France and elsewhere, is shifting to smaller stores and online sales as the rise of e-commerce pushes people to buy groceries and bigger-ticket items such as home appliances online. The companies are in exclusive negotiations over the sale of ten supermarkets from Auchan's historic park and nine which the French group bought from Casino in 2024, they said in the statement. Completion of the sale, subject to antitrust clearance, is expected by year end, the companies said.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
'We know of the Channel deal, it won't stop us': Migrants in Calais say they're not worried about Keir Starmer's new swap scheme with France
Migrants waiting to cross the Channel yesterday laughed at the notion the Government's new deal with France would stop the boats. Occupants of the main migrant camp had quickly heard word of the agreement between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron that some dinghy arrivals in England would be sent back to France, and swapped for official asylum applicants. But it did not seem like anyone was giving up on their dream yesterday. In fact, the only people in northern France worried about the new migrants arrangement seem to be a growing band of mayors and local government leaders fearing that the Labour Government's plan 'will make the situation even worse'. At the sprawling migrant camp amid bushes and waste ground near Grande-Synthe, close to Dunkirk, preparations for departures from the nearby beaches continued apace. Many were buying supplies at the Auchan supermarket in the out-of-town shopping centre here. As two Middle Eastern migrants walked past with a shopping trolley stuffed with new life-jackets, Somali men Abdi, 22, and Mohammed, 19, were smiling and full of confidence about starting new lives in England. They had no fear about being sent straight back after making the illicit dinghy crossing they are expecting to pay £1,300 for. Abdi said: 'We have heard that yesterday France and England make a deal that says if you are a migrant who goes by boat, and you have family in England, you don't come back to France. And I have a cousin and brother in London. 'Also, if you come from a problem country, where it's dangerous, like Somalia – because of [the terror group] Al Shabaab, and rival clans that will kill you if you want to marry the wrong woman – I think you aren't sent back. So I don't worry.' Asked if he was nervous about his imminent dinghy trip – 'maybe tomorrow' – Abdi laughed, saying: 'I'm not scared. We were in a boat from Libya to Italy for four days. We'll be in England in five hours, and there they will help us.' A similarly carefree Mohammed – who said he had a sister in Britain – added: 'In Italy we didn't have work or anything. In France we have to live outside and don't have anything. 'I think when we go to England, England will say, 'Welcome'. We will be able to learn, and study. See you in London!' The Mail had been on Gravelines beach from first light yesterday, and saw a dinghy on the horizon heading across the Channel from Dunkirk, further to the east, straight to Dover. A French patrol ship in the Channel disgorged a motor launch – but only, as usual, to shadow the migrant boat in case of danger, until a British Border Force ship could pick it up. Another dinghy yesterday was reportedly launched from far south of Boulogne, on a beach close to Mr Macron's home in the smart holiday resort of Le Touquet. It was a stark demonstration of the length of coastline used by people smugglers – which has extended over 100 miles. And local authority leaders in the Calais area, whose taxpayers are unhappy about the migrants camping beside roads, and hiding in dunes, yesterday disputed claims that Sir Keir's new scheme would help. Unlike the migrants, they do fear significant numbers of small-boat passengers will be sent back to France – and they will have to deal with them. The mayor of Calais, Natacha Bouchart, led the chorus of disapproval, saying: 'I'm very angry, stunned, to see there was no consultation with those of us along the coast. 'We are going to find ourselves in a vice, because we are already struggling to manage the problem of crossings and arrivals. Now we will have to manage the migrants that the British Government chooses to return to France. 'And when we say 'to France', we don't mean 'to Paris, Marseille, or Le Touquet', we mean 'to Calais'.' Hauts-de-Seine regional council covers Calais and most of the beaches from where the small boats head off to England – and its president Xavier Bertrand said the new deal 'will make the situation even worse'. Referring to some 17 deaths in the Channel among small-boat passengers this year alone, he said the Channel would continue 'to become a maritime graveyard.' And he called for a 'proper showdown' with the British over the ongoing crisis, adding: 'This one-for-one principle is a way for the British to choose their migrants. 'They will have the immigration they choose, and we will have immigration they impose.' In Gravelines – where the Mail has witnessed multiple 'taxi boats', which pick up migrants already in the water, while police stand by barred from acting through fear of causing drownings – deputy mayor Alain Boonefaes said the scheme was unfeasible. Referring to increasing disputes between people-smuggling gangs and penniless migrants, Mr Boonefaes went on: 'The residents are starting to get angry – some see campfires at the bottom of their gardens. Others have heard gunshots.' Strikingly, however, he added that he had opposed a British proposal to put a barrier across Gravelines' broad canal to the sea, where many of the taxi dinghies are launched – because it could make a sea rescue missions difficult, and interfere with the activities of a sailing school. With such disagreement over tactics, it is perhaps no wonder the migrants are laughing.
Finextra
25-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
12 Years Ago: The First nexo Standards Transaction, a Milestone for European Payments: By Arnaud Crouzet
On June 5, 2013, a major step was taken towards the harmonization of card payments in Europe. I had the privilege of executing the very first live transaction based on the protocols and standards that would become nexo standards, in an Auchan store in Faches-Thumesnil, France, for a symbolic amount of €1. This pioneering moment, realized in partnership with Ingenico and Crédit Mutuel-CIC, under the umbrella of the OSCar consortium, marked the first operational implementation of a universal card payment solution built on SEPA standards. --> First SEPA card transaction – June 5, 2013 – France, using the French CB brand From a Merchant's Vision: Solving Fragmentation in Payments In 2012, I joined the OSCar consortium as the first merchant. Our goal was clear: overcome the fragmentation that plagued international merchants, who had to maintain different payment solutions for each country, leading to operational complexity and significant costs. At the time, the lack of harmonization across card schemes forced merchants to adapt to local protocols, resulting in fragmented acceptance, complex technical setups, and high maintenance costs. For large retailers like Auchan, a standardized, pan-European solution promised major operational efficiencies. The OSCar initiative, backed by key players such as American Express, Visa Europe, Mastercard Europe, GIE CB, Consorzio Bancomat, Ingenico, Verifone, Atos Worldline, and others, aimed to create this breakthrough by combining: SEPA-FAST payment application (common terminal application) payment application (common terminal application) EPAS ISO 20022 Acquirer protocol (standardized POS-to-acquirer communication) From France to Europe: Proving Cross-Border Interoperability Just three months after the first French transaction, the solution was successfully replicated in the Jumbo Paõ de Açucar store in Amoreiras, Lisbon. This second live pilot confirmed the cross-border capabilities of the solution — no local adaptation was required. A single, unified payment application and protocol could now be deployed across different European countries, in line with the SEPA Cards Framework objectives set by the European Payments Council (EPC). The pilot demonstrated: No impact on customer experience: payment remained seamless at checkout. on customer experience: payment remained seamless at checkout. Significant simplification of the technical architecture for merchants. of the technical architecture for merchants. Interoperability across multiple domestic and international card schemes without cobadging constraints. across multiple domestic and international card schemes without cobadging constraints. New opportunities for card issuers to extend their acceptance reach. --> SEPA card transaction – September 30, 2013 – Portugal, using Visa and Mastercard brands A Turning Point for the Entire Payment Ecosystem This milestone had profound implications for all stakeholders: Stakeholder Benefit Merchants Simplified acceptance infrastructure, lower costs, faster innovation, cross-border reach Banks / Acquirers Standardized acquiring infrastructure, reduced integration costs, pan-European services Domestic Card Schemes Extended acceptance without dependency on international brands (e.g., no mandatory cobadging). nexo standards also help domestic schemes to accelerate the deployment of new functionalities, thanks to the native integration of features already available internationally. For example, contactless acceptance and PIN Online have been supported in nexo protocols since the beginning, whereas some countries took over 10 years to roll them out. International Schemes Opportunity to simplify multi-country deployment, foster open competition Solution Providers Ability to offer standardized, scalable, SEPA-compliant solutions. Reduced development and maintenance costs, easier multi-country deployments. A single solution deployable anywhere, for everyone. Consumers Faster, consistent, and secure payment experiences across Europe The open, universal, and standardized approach also allowed merchants and acquirers to anticipate regulatory evolutions, notably around interchange fee regulations, brand choice obligations, and the broader European card payments harmonization agenda. In particular, brand choice — mandated under PSD2 and its Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) — is natively supported by nexo protocols. Merchants and consumers can select their preferred payment brand on co-badged cards. nexo integrates and configures brand selection flows in full compliance with regulatory obligations and with guidelines from the European Payments Stakeholders Group (EPSG), as specified in the SEPA Cards Standardisation Volume (Book). Furthermore, brand choice is not only a European requirement: nexo standards enable merchants globally to address similar needs wherever brand selection is expected or mandated. nexo Standards: From a Vision to a Global Reality Following these first pilots, the initiative evolved rapidly: EPASOrg transitioned to become nexo standards in 2014 . transitioned to become . The initial protocols were refined, expanded, and formalized into a globally recognized suite of ISO 20022-based standards. nexo protocols have since been adopted by major players across Europe and beyond — not only for card payments but also supporting mobile and QR Code-based payments. They are now evolving to incorporate Instant Payments, and will likely move to integrate the Digital Euro in the future. Key Milestones: Year Evolution 2013 First live transaction (France), Cross-border validation (Portugal) 2014 Formal launch of nexo standards 2016 Publication of nexo Retailer Protocol for POS-to-ECR communication based on ISO20022 2018 Increased adoption in major payment infrastructures 2021 nexo standards began exploratory work on mobile acceptance and SoftPOS integration. 2022 Launch of nexo QR Code initiatives for dynamic merchant-presented QR acceptance 2024 Extension toward Instant Payment use cases 2025 Preparatory study on Digital Euro nexo standards now used by leading retailers, acquirers, and solution providers globally nexo standards protocols are now referenced in European regulatory frameworks and recognized by major payment organizations, reinforcing their position as a global standard for card and payment acceptance interoperability. Looking Ahead: The Open Standard for the Future of Payments Today, nexo standards is an established, open, flexible, and scalable framework. The standards are used in diverse environments, from traditional POS to SoftPOS and e-commerce acceptance. Initiatives are also exploring Instant Payment use cases based on nexo frameworks. It supports: Interoperability across multiple payment types and acceptance environments — including in-store, e-commerce, SoftPOS, cards, mobile, and QR codes. Work is actively underway to integrate Instant Payments use cases . Discussions are also progressing toward the adoption of nexo standards for the future Digital Euro , already recognized by the European Central Bank (ECB) as a key technical framework. across multiple payment types and acceptance environments — including in-store, e-commerce, SoftPOS, cards, mobile, and QR codes. Work is actively underway to . Discussions are also progressing toward the adoption of nexo standards for the , already recognized by the European Central Bank (ECB) as a key technical framework. Future-proofing with ISO 20022 compliance, worldwide migration to this modern structure providing flexibility for new and future services (cards, Instant Payment, CBDC, e-Invoicing, …). with ISO 20022 compliance, worldwide migration to this modern structure providing flexibility for new and future services (cards, Instant Payment, CBDC, e-Invoicing, …). Innovation through standardized, open APIs and cloud-native architectures (in progress) through standardized, open APIs and cloud-native architectures (in progress) Global reach with deployments in Europe, Africa, Americas, Middle East, Australia and Asia By providing a common language for the industry, nexo standards empowers all players — merchants, banks, payment schemes, and technology providers — to build a more connected, efficient, and secure payments ecosystem. Twelve years on, the journey continues — driving payments toward a more open, interoperable, and innovative world. What started with a symbolic €1 transaction has grown into a global movement shaping the future of harmonized, secure, and innovative payments worldwide.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Luxembourg Cards and Payments Market Opportunities and Risks to 2029: New Ecommerce Players like Northfork and Westwing Target Luxembourg Market Expansion
Unlock the future of Luxembourg's financial landscape. Gain insights into market trends, growth forecasts, regulatory changes, and competitive dynamics. Explore key performance indicators, consumer preferences, and strategies in the evolving cards and payments sector. Dublin, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Luxembourg Cards and Payments: Opportunities and Risks to 2029" report has been added to report offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics and trends in the Luxembourg cards and payments industry. It examines critical performance indicators, including cards, cash, credit transfers, direct debits, and cheques over the review period (2020-24) and forecast period (2025-29). With a focus on payment card markets, the report provides insights into card circulation, transaction values, and volumes, along with a detailed overview of the competitive landscape, including issuers' market shares and report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Luxembourg cards and payments industry, including: Current and forecast values for each market in the Luxembourg cards and payments industry, including debit, and credit cards. Detailed insights into payment instruments including cards, cash, credit transfers, direct debits and cheques. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments. Ecommerce market analysis. Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Luxembourg cards and payments industry. Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit, and credit cards. Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards. The competitive landscape of the Luxembourg cards and payments industry. Key Highlights The European Payments Initiative (EPI) has announced the launch of a digital wallet called Wero in September 2023. The platform is accessible through EPI-associated member bank apps and mobile apps. Users can securely verify their mobile devices and link their bank accounts in the Wero application to make payments. Currently, the platform supports peer-to-peer fund transfers that can be completed within 10 seconds using phone numbers, app-generated QR codes or email addresses. Additional features, including online and POS payments, are expected to be added by 2025. Furthermore, the options of buy now pay later (BNPL), loyalty program integration, and shared spending features are expected to be included by 2026. Wero is set to launch in Luxembourg by the end of 2025. To benefit from the growing ecommerce market, new players are entering the space. In November 2024, Northfork, a global provider of shoppable recipe solutions, partnered with Auchan to expand its presence in Luxembourg. This collaboration encourages consumers to shop for groceries online through Auchan's ecommerce platform. Similarly, in February 2025, the online furniture and home decor giant Westwing expanded its presence to Luxembourg; offering a wide range of products, including furniture, home decor items, accessories, and textiles. In light of the expanding payment card market, international payment service providers are introducing their payment solutions in Luxembourg. For example, the German-based payment provider Unzer initiated the launch of its POS solutions in Luxembourg in January 2024. Unzer's offerings, which include iPad checkouts, card terminals, and the compact POS Go mini checkout, are designed to assist merchants accept payments via various digital modes, including contactless card payments and mobile wallets. The company aims to cater to approximately 15,000 companies within Luxembourg. Report Scope Card market size in terms of number of cards, value and volume of transactions in the Luxembourg along with detailed card segmentation of debit and credit cards available in the country. Market sizing and analysis of major payment instruments including cards, cash, credit transfers, direct debits, and cheques. Payment market trends and growth for both historical and forecast period Competitor analysis with detailed insights into leading card issuers and schemes. Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards. A detailed snapshot of country's key alternative payment brands. Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Market Overview Payment Instruments Card-Based Payments Ecommerce Payments Alternative Payments Payment Innovation Job Analysis Payment Infrastructure and Regulation Company Coverage: European Payments Initiative Unzer Northfork Westwing Auchan Lidl Mastercard Qover Revolut Spuerkeess Visa N26 Apple Pay Google Pay BNP Paribas Fitbit Pay Garmin Pay BIL Eurostat PayPal Google Pay Payconiq ING Bank POST Luxembourg Raiffeisen PaysafeCard Satispay Click to Pay American Express Discover APS CarPay-Diem Indigo Neo Texaco ExxonMobil Banque centrale du Luxembourg For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Auchan, the French supermarket to cut 710 jobs
HighlightsAuchan, the French supermarket giant operating under the Alcampo brand in Spain, plans to lay off 710 employees and close 25 stores as part of a strategic overhaul to adapt to changing consumer behavior. The company's shift from large-format supermarkets to smaller retail outlets and a stronger online shopping platform reflects a broader trend in the retail sector towards convenience-focused shopping. Auchan's restructuring in Spain aims to improve long-term competitiveness amidst stiff competition from discount and online retailers, while it continues to invest in smaller-format stores and enhance its e-commerce presence. 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.
