French furniture brand Gautier is targeting 65 stores over the next two years as it steps up franchise recruitment following its exit from judicial restructuring in December 2025. The company has restarted its franchise development programme, with recent openings in Arras, Vannes, Saint-Maximin and Perpignan signalling a renewed push to strengthen its retail presence in France.
Founded in 1960 by Patrice Gautier and Annick Soulard, Gautier designs and manufactures contemporary furniture at three production sites in the Vendée region of western France. Its collections span living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, storage and children’s furniture, with the brand combining French manufacturing with a design-led retail proposition.
Gautier entered franchising in 2005 with its first franchised store in La Rochelle. Its retail network subsequently expanded across France and international markets. The latest development plan sets an initial target of 50 stores before progressing towards 65 locations over the following two years, although these targets should be distinguished from the company’s wider reported international network.
The recruitment drive is aimed at entrepreneurs with retail experience, existing franchise operators seeking to diversify and business owners interested in the furniture and home interiors sector. Recent openings illustrate the different profiles Gautier is attracting.
In Saint-Maximin, northern France, Nathalie Leroy opened a franchised store on September 12. Her business background spans food retail, fashion and hospitality, while her familiarity with Gautier as a customer helped inform her decision to invest.
In Perpignan, David Cervantès opened a 340-square-metre outlet at the Carré d’Or retail park on September 19. His son manages the store, establishing a family-business model designed to facilitate a gradual transfer of operational responsibilities between generations.
Other openings highlight opportunities for existing retail professionals to become franchise owners or expand their portfolios. Joseph Zitelli opened a Gautier store in Arras on January 21 after previously working as a salesperson for the brand in Hénin-Beaumont. In Vannes, Anthony Levesque, who already operates four SoCoo’c kitchen stores, added a Gautier outlet to his business portfolio in early July.
Gautier’s franchise model typically requires a store of approximately 400 square metres in a retail location serving a catchment area of at least 150,000 residents. Reported investment requirements are around €150,000, excluding VAT and property costs, with a personal contribution of approximately €70,000 from the franchisee. The final investment varies according to the premises, fit-out and other opening expenses.
The company supports franchise partners with site selection, market analysis, business planning, store layout, recruitment, training and launch marketing. Ongoing assistance covers sales performance, commercial development and store operations, while initial training includes product knowledge, digital tools, stock management and customer service.
A key part of Gautier’s retail strategy is Gautier Home, introduced in 2021 to combine furniture sales with personalised interior design services. Digital tools, including three-dimensional visualisation, enable customers to explore furniture arrangements and storage solutions tailored to their homes. The format allows franchisees to build relationships with customers undertaking broader furnishing projects rather than relying solely on individual product sales.
Gautier’s manufacturing operations remain central to its positioning. The company produces its furniture in the Vendée region and has developed its sustainability approach through initiatives including + Que du Vert, launched in 2022.
The renewed expansion follows a challenging period for the business. Gautier entered judicial restructuring in July 2024 and emerged on December 2, 2025, following approval of a continuation plan. Its franchise-led growth strategy now offers a route to rebuild the retail network through partnerships with entrepreneurs while maintaining its French manufacturing identity.
The target of 65 stores reflects Gautier’s ambition to regain momentum through selective recruitment and new retail locations. Achieving it will depend on attracting suitable franchisees, securing viable sites and sustaining demand in a competitive furniture market.
