Eurocash shifts to franchise model to expand retail network

Eurocash Group is undergoing a major strategic transformation by shifting its focus from company-owned stores to a franchise-based model. The group currently manages approximately 15,000 franchise and partner stores under various brands, including Delikatesy Centrum, Lewiatan, Groszek, Gama, and ABC. This scale already exceeds that of competitor Żabka.

The company plans to expand its network by approximately 1,000 locations over the next two years. A key component of this restructuring involves the Delikatesy Centrum brand, where the group is analyzing locations to transition them into the franchise model, a move expected to generate approximately 100 million PLN in savings. This process also includes workforce reductions.

Technological integration is central to the new strategy. Eurocash is implementing a digital-first approach where stores must integrate with the Europlatform to remain part of the network. Despite these strict digital requirements, the group's reorganized expansion department successfully opened 412 new franchise locations within a six-month period.