Auchan is to undergo a restructuring affecting 1,400 jobs up to 2012, according to French press reports.

There will be 2,500 jobs created in a distribution project but jobs will be cut in its 116 hypermarkets and logistics operations.

Separately, the retailer said it will develop new offers, such as a shopping delivery service called Auchan Drive and a discount shop. It will also open city-centre stores and a premium format. The first city store, Auchan City, will open in Tourcoing in October, and the first premium shop, Auchan Gourmand, will open in Marseille at the end of 2011.