Auchan Martigues: sports store, return of the carousel and big makeover, the director reveals his revival strategy

Facing closed curtains that worry the people of Martigues, the director of Auchan Martigues hypermarket, Frédéric Vaccaro, breaks his silence. Invited to speak at noon on Maritima radio, he reveals a bold plan to revitalize the site: very advanced negotiations with a major sports retailer, the imminent return of the children’s carousel, and a large modernization project planned for 2027. Deciphering a long-awaited revival for this economic hub of 500 jobs.

“The gallery is far from dead”

The observation is clear: of the 40 to 45 shops in the gallery, only 27 are currently active. However, Frédéric Vaccaro is reassuring about the reasons for this vacancy. “We can note that some shops are closing, but this is due to retirements currently taking place. We are in negotiations for these businesses to be taken over by other buyers,” he explains.

Far from being immobile, the management states that it is in constant consultation with the remaining merchants to revitalize the flow, particularly on Saturdays, a crucial day for sales.

A major sports retailer on the way

This is the little “Maritima info” from the interview: discussions are very advanced for the installation of a new heavyweight in the sports sector. “We are in very advanced negotiations and it would be very, very interesting for the shopping center and Auchan hypermarket,” the director confesses, without naming the retailer to avoid jeopardizing the final signature.

The return of the carousel: a priority for families

Several years after its removal, the famous carousel that used to be at the heart of the gallery could make a comeback. A strong demand from local customers that Frédéric Vaccaro has heard: “It is clear that many customers with children want the return of this carousel. Again, we are negotiating to bring back this activity within our shopping gallery.”

While 2027 is mentioned with certainty, the director hopes to materialize this project sooner if negotiations are successful.

Renovation and total “Makeover” in 2027

To counter the migration of customers to the very large shopping centers in the region, Auchan Martigues is focusing on modernizing its work tool. Improvement works on the food offer are already underway. “In 2027, we plan a total makeover of the hypermarket. The shopping center is far from dead as we continue to invest,” emphasizes Frédéric Vaccaro.

Among the urgent requests from customers, the renovation of the bathrooms is at the top of the list: “It is essential to redo these toilets at all costs, they are below any standard. They will be redone in the coming months.”

An economic hub of 500 jobs

Frédéric Vaccaro concluded his intervention by recalling the local anchorage of the site: “I invite you to come to our shopping center. It represents approximately 500 jobs. Many employees live and work in Martigues.”

Despite a customer growth rate “almost zero” since the beginning of the year, the management is counting on the summer season and promotional activities targeting vacationers to revitalize the center and restore its former dynamism.