Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in official opening of the first French hypermarket in Tatarstan

An official opening of hypermarket “Auchan Kazan” has taken place in a shopping mall “Yuzhny” on October, 6. President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, President of “Auchan Russia” François Colombié, Deputy PM – Minister of agriculture and foodstuff Marat Akhmetov, RT Minister of industry and trade Ravil Zaripov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin and other officials attended the ceremony.

“One more big shopping mall has opened in Kazan. It demonstrates success of “Auchan” company in Russia. Tatarstan capital is presented by major international and domestic distribution networks. Now our region will be more competitive and customers will have more choice. I hope Auchan company will treat Tatarstan suppliers seriously. We have plenty of milk products, poultry meat, pork, vegetables of high quality”, - Rustam Minnikhanov said. By his words, Tatarstan-made high-quality products may be delivered to shopping malls all over the country via logistics network “Auchan”.

According to François Colombié, hypermarket “Auchan Kazan” is the 46th in Russia and 583d in the world. He thanked republican leadership for assistance. After cutting the symbolic ribbon Rustam Minnikhanov walked around the hypermarket with guests.

Later on François Colombié told journalists that investments in opening hypermarket “Auchan Kazan” made 500 mln. roubles. Payback time will depend on the umber of customers. The useful area makes 9300 m², the range of goods – 35 thousand items.

For information: French “Auchan” is the second retailer at the Russian market by the total amount of receipts. In 2010 sales volume made 5,87 bln. euro, “Auchan” was founded in 1961 by Gérard Mulliez. It comprises 1300 shops in 12 countries all over the world. Yearly sales of the company made 42,5 bln. euro in 2010.