Paris, February 29, 2024 — Lidl is expanding its footprint in the Paris region, taking over three Monoprix stores as the Casino group restructures its retail holdings. The German discount supermarket chain continues a period of growth, having recently acquired 19 Auchan locations this fall.
Lidl’s French Expansion Gains Momentum
The discount retailer is adding locations in key areas, while Monoprix closes stores amid shifting consumer habits.
- Lidl has acquired three Monoprix stores in the Paris region: A Cottage and Le Pecq in Yvelines (78), and Argenteuil in Val d’Oise (95).
- Five other Monoprix stores will close, located in La Défense and Malakoff-Porte de Chatillon (Hauts-de-Seine), Vitry-sur-Seine (Val-de-Marne), Nantes Decré (Loire-Atlantique), and Tours les 2 Lions (Indre-et-Loire).
- Lidl aims to reach 2,000 stores in France, currently operating nearly 1,620 locations.
- The closures and transfers are attributed to attendance, commercial environment, operating conditions, and real estate constraints.
The three Monoprix stores slated for conversion to Lidl are located in A Cottage and Le Pecq, both in the Yvelines department (78), and Argenteuil in Val d’Oise (95). This move signals a continued shift in the French grocery landscape, with discount retailers gaining prominence.
Store Closures Reflect Broader Trends
Alongside the sales to Lidl, Monoprix will also be closing five stores: those in La Défense and Malakoff-Porte de Chatillon in Hauts-de-Seine (92), Vitry-sur-Seine in Val-de-Marne (94), Nantes Decré in Loire-Atlantique (44), and Tours les 2 Lions in Indre-et-Loire (37). The Casino group, which owns Monoprix, stated that these decisions are based on factors including store traffic, the competitive environment, operational challenges, and real estate considerations.
What factors are driving Monoprix to sell and close stores? The Casino group attributes the changes to attendance levels, the commercial environment, operating conditions, and real estate constraints at each location.
Lidl’s Ambitious Growth Strategy
The contrasting trajectories of Monoprix and Lidl highlight the evolving dynamics of the French retail market. While Monoprix has closed a total of 16 stores since the beginning of 2025, Lidl is aggressively pursuing expansion. The German discounter, which faced challenges between 2022 and 2025, is now focused on strengthening its presence across France.
Currently operating nearly 1,620 stores, Lidl aims to reach 2,000 locations, particularly in major cities where its presence is currently limited. The acquisition of the 19 Auchan stores, slated to open in March, and these three Monoprix locations are key components of this strategy. Lidl is also exploring extended opening hours, including Sundays, a move that has sparked debate among its employees.
