French supermarket retailer Casino has announced plans to slash jobs as part of a major restructuring effort aimed at boosting profitability.
The company, which operates over 12,000 stores worldwide, is facing significant financial challenges due to increased competition from online retailers and discount supermarkets. In an effort to streamline its operations and reduce costs, Casino plans to cut around 1,500 jobs in France over the next three years.
The job cuts will primarily affect employees in administrative roles and non-customer facing positions, such as human resources and finance. The company has stated that it will offer support and assistance to affected employees, including retraining and job placement services.
In addition to the job cuts, Casino also plans to sell off non-core assets and focus on its core business of food retail. The company has already sold off several of its non-essential holdings, including its stake in the Brazilian retailer CBD.
Despite the restructuring efforts, Casino remains optimistic about its future prospects. CEO Jean-Charles Naouri stated, “These changes are necessary in order to ensure the long-term success of the company. We are confident that our strategic focus on core retail operations will allow us to better compete in today’s challenging market environment.”
Investors have responded positively to the news, with Casino’s stock price rising by 5% following the announcement. Analysts believe that the restructuring efforts will help strengthen the company’s financial position and improve its competitiveness in the global retail market.
Casino’s decision to slash jobs comes at a time of increasing pressure on traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. As more consumers turn to online shopping and discount stores for their grocery needs, traditional retailers like Casino are being forced to adapt in order to survive.
The company’s restructuring efforts are part of a larger trend in the retail industry, as companies seek to reinvent themselves in the face of changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. It remains to be seen how successful Casino’s restructuring will be, but the company is determined to do whatever it takes to remain a competitive player in the retail market.