MOSCOW – French retailer Auchan is developing its first convenience store chain in Russia as part of the retailer’s expansion in the country, reports the Moscow Times.

Auchan has already opened four Kazhdy Den (Every Day) convenience stores in Moscow. Auchan Russia CEO Wilhelm Hubner told the news source that private-label products will make up about half of the c-stores’ product ranges.

The news source notes that the convenience store format is gaining popularity with major retailers in Russia. For example, St. Petersburg-based retailer O'Key is focusing on the expansion of its convenience store chain Da! (Yes!), and the Russian arm of Germany's Metro Cash & Carry launched a chain of convenience stores Fasol (Bean) in 2012.

In Moscow, the number of convenience stores has increased tenfold since 2005 to 1,000 as of April.