Getir Ceases Operations in France Over Regulatory Challenges

Getir, a rapid delivery giant that operates an on-demand grocery delivery platform, has announced that it will be leaving the French market due to regulatory hurdles. The Turkish-owned company entered the market less than two years ago but has faced a challenging legal environment that has made it difficult for the company to succeed. The French government’s decision to classify dark stores as warehouses, rather than businesses has meant that local town halls have had the power to decide whether to allow them in city centers. As a result, Getir has been struggling to reach profitability in France, and its total debt now amounts to €17.6mn. The Getir group, which includes Getir, Gorillas, and Frichti, plans to sell all or parts of the company. Meanwhile, Getir’s competitor, Flink, which recently absorbed French-based Cajoo, filed for bankruptcy and will also be leaving the French market. This news means that the number of instant grocery delivery platforms is decreasing in the region, and it is unknown whether this will have a ripple effect in the overall European market. The estimated 1,800 employees across the two companies now face losing their jobs.