Challenge Auchan 2025: ICD Business School Takes 3rd Place in the National Finals
Each year, the Auchan Challenge brings together students from leading business and engineering schools across France. Organized by Auchan Retail, this major competition challenges participants to propose innovative and actionable solutions to a real-world issue. For this 21st edition, the topic focused on one of the retail sector’s most critical challenges: stockouts.
An ambitious national competition
The brief given to students was clear:
"In the food retail sector, stockouts represent a major challenge. They can lead to significant financial losses, decreased customer satisfaction, and reduced loyalty. For retailers, optimal stock management is essential to maintaining competitiveness and meeting customer expectations. Propose recommendations to help Auchan improve its performance. Your suggestions may be organizational, technological, or operational."
A well-structured internal and external journey
At ICD Business School, the preparation began in the fall through a 21-hour module led by Michel Dalmas. The students in the PGE4 MEC class worked in teams on the proposed challenge, with no prior information from Auchan, and presented their projects during an internal selection held on January 22.
The winning team — composed of Thibault Jubin, Abdoulaye Thiam, Aktaruzzaman Minhaz, and Ichalalene Yanis — then represented ICD Business School in the Île-de-France regional selection. After their victory against schools such as ESSEC, Ascencia, and EDC Business School, they went on to the national final.
A visit to the Auchan store in Val de Fontenay, as well as several rounds of coaching and rehearsals, further enriched their preparation. On March 27, they travelled to Lille to compete against SKEMA Business School, Audencia, BBA INSEEC, and Toulouse School of Management in the final round.
A rewarding 3rd place and a strong learning experience
Facing a jury of five professionals from Auchan Retail, our students presented their strategic recommendations with professionalism and clarity. Their performance earned them an impressive 3rd place nationally, a true recognition of their work and commitment.
This experience goes far beyond a competition. It enables students to sharpen their project management and business strategy skills, but also strengthens their teamwork, emotional intelligence, and public speaking abilities. Participating in such challenges also provides invaluable networking opportunities with professionals in the sector.