Ninety-two of France's well-known 'Tati' discount stores to close

Ninety-two of France's well-known 'Tati' discount stores are to close, with 49 being taken over by sister brand Gifi; another approximately 30 being reviewed for use by a new brand of the group, and 13 shuttering entirely.

GPG, which announced the closures in a statement on Tuesday, bought Tati in 2017 and the closure of the shops comes as GPG integrates Tati stores with those of its other discount outlet Gifi.

Tati, well-known in France for its bright pink logo, started in 1948 when Jules Ouaki, a Tunisian and pioneer in the low-cost textile market, opened the first store in Paris' immigrant district of Barbes, just downhill from the Sacre Coeur church.

GPG said the historic Barbes store would remain open.