Foul&es expands its network with openings in Biganos and Bergerac

Foul&es continues to expand with two openings in south-west France: Biganos on 21 August 2026, followed by Bergerac on 4 September. In an update reported by AC Franchise on 13 October, the specialist running retailer announced four new locations since January and a 19% increase in turnover. These two shops illustrate different routes into growth within the franchise network.

A third shop for Éric Laroche in Biganos

The Biganos opening marks a new milestone for Éric Laroche. Already the operator of Foul&es shops in Bordeaux and Mérignac, the entrepreneur now runs three outlets under the brand. His latest shop occupies 170 m² in Biganos’s northern retail area.

This opening therefore draws on the experience of an existing franchisee rather than bringing a new entrepreneur into the network. It is a practical example of multi-unit development: one operator expands their business by opening another outlet under the same brand.

For prospective franchisees, this offers an example of a possible path after opening a first shop. On its own, however, it does not establish whether a shop is profitable or what is required to operate several. The information provided covers the opening, floor area and operator’s background, with no details of the investment involved or the new outlet’s own results.

A group run ahead of the Bergerac opening

The Bergerac shop is run by Mélanie Vernois and Antoine Bellino. The new franchisees chose to bring running enthusiasts together before the shop began trading: a group run held the day before the opening attracted 130 participants.

The event gave the brand’s arrival a local community focus. Before discovering the shop, participants shared an activity directly linked to its offering. The initiative illustrates the role that gatherings of fellow enthusiasts can play in launching a specialist retail business.

Attendance at the run indicates interest in the opening, but should not be confused with customer numbers or commercial results. No sales figures are provided for the Bergerac shop. The notable achievement remains the owners’ ability to bring a group of runners together before their first day of trading.

Expert advice at the heart of the concept

Beyond their different approaches to opening, both locations follow a concept centred on advice and technical expertise. Foul&es highlights its “Labo Foul&es”, available in every shop, which is used to assess foot shape and analyse customers’ running gait on a treadmill.

This facility gives practical form to the guidance offered as part of the in-store experience. The brand’s stated premium positioning therefore rests not just on selling products, but also on observing how customers run and advising them accordingly.

For a prospective franchisee, this aspect deserves as much attention as the location or retail floor area. Understanding how the lab works, the skills required and how advice fits into the customer journey are among the points to examine before joining this type of franchise.

Four new locations and growth figures that need context

Foul&es reports four new locations since January 2026, alongside a 19% rise in turnover. The Biganos and Bergerac openings form part of this expansion update.

The growth figure applies to the network; it does not describe the individual performance of the two new shops. As the published information does not specify the basis of comparison, it is also impossible to separate like-for-like growth from the contribution of new locations.

Key takeaway for prospective franchisees: these openings demonstrate two routes to development: expansion by a multi-unit franchisee and the arrival of new entrepreneurs. Before committing, it remains essential to request financial information specific to the proposed business and establish the resources needed to provide expert technical advice and engage the local community.