In the face of closed curtains causing concern for the residents of Martigues, the director of Auchan Martigues hypermarket, Frédéric Vaccaro, breaks his silence. Invited today on Maritima radio, he unveils a robust reconquest plan to revitalize the site: very advanced negotiations with a major sports retailer, imminent return of the children’s carousel, and a vast modernization project planned for 2027. Decoding an expected revival for this economic powerhouse with 500 jobs.
“The gallery is far from dead”
The observation is clear: of the 40-45 shops in the gallery, only 27 are currently in operation. However, Frédéric Vaccaro reassures on the reasons for this vacancy. “We can see 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 stagnant, the management asserts to be in constant consultation with the remaining merchants to revitalize the traffic, especially on Saturdays, a crucial day for revenue.
A major sports retailer on the way
In this interview, a small “Maritima info” stands out: discussions are well advanced for the establishment of a new heavyweight in the sports sector. “We are in very advanced negotiations and it would be very, very interesting for the shopping gallery and Auchan hypermarket,” shares the director, 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 stood at the heart of the gallery could make a comeback. A strong demand from the local clientele that Frédéric Vaccaro has duly noted: “It is clear that many customers with children want the return of this carousel. Again, we are in negotiations 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 complete makeover in 2027
To counter clients flocking to large shopping centers in the region, Auchan Martigues is focusing on the modernization of its work tool. Improvements to the food offering are already underway. “In 2027, we plan to completely refurbish the hypermarket. The shopping center is far from dead as we continue to invest,” emphasizes Frédéric Vaccaro.
Among the urgent requests from customers, restroom renovation is a top priority. “We must redo these toilets at all costs, they are below all standards. They will be redone in the coming months.”
An economic hub with 500 jobs
Frédéric Vaccaro concluded his intervention by highlighting the site’s local roots: “I invite you to come in large numbers to our shopping center. This represents nearly 500 jobs. Many employees live and work in Martigues.”
Despite a nearly “zero” client growth since the beginning of the year, the management is counting on the summer season and attractive offers for vacationers to revitalize the operation and restore the gallery to its former dynamism.
