Fnac Darty: 21 fewer franchised stores in nine months

Fnac Darty’s franchise network is shrinking. As at 30 September 2026, the group reported 380 franchised stores within its France reporting perimeter, compared with 401 at the end of 2025. Disclosed in its third-quarter results, this net decline of 21 outlets requires careful interpretation: the group provides neither the reasons for the fall nor a breakdown by brand.

Fewer franchised stores, more company-operated outlets

The published figures allow a comparison between the two operating models. Between 31 December 2025 and 30 September 2026, the number of company-operated stores, run directly by Fnac Darty, rose from 395 to 398. Over the same period, the number of franchised stores fell from 401 to 380.

The total store network within the France reporting perimeter therefore fell from 796 to 778, a net reduction of 18 outlets. The addition of three company-operated stores did not offset the decline in franchised outlets.

Operating model	End of December 2025	End of September 2026
Company-operated stores	395	398
Franchised stores	401	380
Total	796	778

An important geographical distinction is needed: this reporting perimeter covers more than metropolitan France. It also includes France’s overseas territories and around 15 stores in Africa and Qatar. The reduction of 21 outlets must therefore be understood within this reporting scope, rather than as a count relating solely to metropolitan France.

A net change, not a tally of closures

The group does not explain what drove this change. The available figures do not distinguish between closures, any transfers to company operation or changes of brand. Nor do they provide a breakdown of the decline between Fnac and Darty.

It would therefore be inaccurate to present these figures as an announcement of 21 franchised store closures. A net change in store numbers measures the difference between two dates; it does not, on its own, describe every change during that period. Equally, the three additional company-operated stores cannot be assumed to represent three former franchises taken over by the group on the basis of these results alone.

Across the group as a whole, the number of franchised stores fell from 650 to 621. Of this net reduction of 29 outlets, 21 were within the France reporting perimeter. The decline was therefore concentrated in this perimeter, although the consolidated figures also cover Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

Previously documented closures at Darty

The Universal Registration Document published in March 2026 had already provided information on the previous financial year. In France, Darty closed 14 franchised stores in 2025 and opened just two.

For Fnac, the same document reported 15 closures in France in 2025, without specifying how those stores were operated. The brand opened one store that year, compared with 12 in 2024. These figures therefore do not allow a like-for-like comparison of franchise-only performance across the two brands.

Several local cases were also reported in 2026. In Saint-Amand-Montrond, in the Cher department of central France, the Darty store closed on 1 July after almost five years in business. The franchisee’s company applied for court-ordered liquidation. In Perpignan’s Polygone Nord commercial area, the Darty store specialising in kitchens and beds, which opened in late 2021, closed in early 2026.

These examples illustrate local developments, but do not explain the full net decline reported by the group.

What prospective franchisees should check

Franchising remains an important part of Fnac Darty’s business model: at the end of September, independent operators ran 380 of the 778 stores within the France reporting perimeter. For those involved in franchising, the key is to understand changes across the network beyond the headline outlet count.

Prospective franchisees would benefit from requesting a breakdown of openings, closures and changes in operating model for their chosen brand and territory. Group results are no substitute for examining the financial viability of an individual local store.

Key takeaway: before committing, distinguish between the net change in store numbers and actual closures, and request information specific to your target catchment area.