Delikatesy Centrum: 73 stores transferred to franchisees

Eurocash is scaling back its company-operated store business and transferring outlets to independent business owners. By the end of July 2026, franchisees had taken over 73 stores. Further transfers are scheduled for the second half of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027. This is a significant shift for the franchise sector: partnerships with business owners are being expanded by changing who operates existing stores, rather than solely by opening new outlets.

Store transfers rather than new openings

As the trade website dlahandlu.pl reported on 4 October, Eurocash wants to reduce its reliance on company-operated stores and focus more heavily on franchising. As part of this shift, some loss-making outlets are being closed, while the remaining stores are gradually being transferred to independent business owners. The figure of 73 refers to stores already transferred to franchisees by the end of July, not to new openings.

This distinction matters when assessing the process as a whole. Transferring an existing outlet changes how it is operated, but does not in itself increase the number of stores. The announced transfers should therefore not be interpreted as an equivalent expansion of the network. The central point of this announcement is a change in responsibility for running the stores.

The timetable includes further transfers in the second half of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027. For a prospective franchisee interested in this route, the practical starting point is to establish which locations are available and how far preparations for their transfer have progressed. The overall transformation timetable is no substitute for a store-specific takeover schedule.

Group savings versus franchisee performance

The transformation of Delikatesy Centrum’s company-operated stores is expected to generate around PLN 100 million in savings, reflected in Eurocash’s results in 2027. This is an anticipated benefit for the group. It says nothing about the revenue, margins or profits of the business owners taking over individual outlets.

The restructuring also involves workforce changes. Eurocash previously stated that around 3,000 jobs could be cut by the end of 2027. This announcement should be understood as part of the group’s wider reorganisation, rather than as a description of staffing arrangements at every store being transferred. The deadline for workforce reductions should not be confused with the timetable for individual store transfers either.

For prospective franchisees, the key is to distinguish the group’s financial position from that of their own business. Eurocash’s planned savings should not replace an assessment of a specific location. Before making a decision, it is worth requesting the store’s historical results, a breakdown of costs and clarification of which expenses the franchisee will bear following the change of operator. Only then can applicants build their own financial projections, rather than basing them on the benefits expected by the network operator.

What to check when taking over an operating store

Taking over an existing store calls for a different assessment from opening one from scratch. Its trading history should be the starting point. Applicants should ask for figures covering sales, premises costs, staffing and stock, as well as details of their obligations under the proposed agreement. These are recommendations for assessing an offer, not a description of standard transfer terms applied by Eurocash.

The financial arrangements at handover require particular attention. Discussions with the network should establish how stock will be valued, who will be responsible for any shortages and what equipment will be made available to the franchisee. The terms for occupying the premises and responsibility for any necessary repairs or refurbishment should be clarified separately. Each of these arrangements should be confirmed in writing.

Staffing and operational matters are equally important. Applicants should ask about the staffing plan, arrangements to maintain business continuity and the support available during the change of operator. The announcement of a group-wide restructuring does not answer these questions for an individual outlet. Prospective franchisees should therefore expect information specific to the store they intend to run, and review the documents with appropriate advisers before signing an agreement.

The next phase of the transformation runs into early 2027

The next concrete stage of the announced process is a further round of transfers in the second half of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027. Separately, savings from the transformation of Delikatesy Centrum’s company-operated stores are expected to be reflected in the group’s results in 2027. These are two distinct milestones: the timing of operational changes and the expected financial impact.

For the franchise sector, the main significance of this announcement is the shift towards independent business owners operating existing stores. Assessing such an opportunity, however, requires a close look at the individual outlet, not just the scale of the wider reorganisation.

Practical takeaway: before taking over a store, request its financial results, a full breakdown of costs and who will bear them, and a written handover timetable. Base your decision on the terms of the specific agreement, not on the group’s projected savings.