Historically rooted in Burgundy, Schiever’s purchasing, distribution, and retail activities now cover a wide range of both food and non-food needs for our customers.
We welcome you to our stores every day
A History of Over 150 Years in Retail
The birth of the Group
1871
Founding of Schiever
Schiever was founded by
Euphémie Schiever
in Avallon, in the Yonne region (89).
Originally a wholesale wine and spirits business supplying local retailers and grocers in the Avallon area, it laid the foundations for the expertise that would evolve over the decades.
1900
Schiever Frères
The business, passed on to Euphémie’s sons, took the name Schiever Frères and shifted toward food wholesaling.
Using horse-drawn carriages, the company extended its delivery routes to supply shops and cafés across an 80 km radius around Avallon (Morvan region)
Under the leadership of Georges Schiever, mayor of Avallon (1929–1945), later a Member of Parliament and member of the Council of the Republic, the company became a key player, deeply rooted in both its social and geographical environment.
1913
The First Stark Chain Truck
The company acquired its first Stark chain-drive truck to improve delivery efficiency.
1932
From Schiever Frères to Établissements Georges Schiever Père et Fils
Continuing the family legacy, Jacques, Georges’ son, joined the management team as the company evolved into Établissements Georges Schiever Père et Fils.
1950
Reaching 50 Employees
The company had grown to around fifty employees. Its product range continued to expand to meet customers’ increasing needs.
Creation of an Independent Regional Supermarket Chain
1969
The Group’s First Supermarket
The Group’s first full-scale supermarket opened in Semur-en-Auxois (21) under the éGé banner.
A second store followed six months later in Avallon (89).
1973
A Modern 5,000 m² Warehouse Opens in Avallon
A new 5,000 m² warehouse was built in the industrial zone of Avallon (89), but was soon destroyed by a serial arsonist. Thanks to the extraordinary trust of the Group’s long-standing insurers, the tremendous efforts of Pierre Courgeon (Jacques Schiever’s son-in-law) and the incredible collective energy, the warehouse was rebuilt almost immediately.
1976
Opening of the First Maximarché Store
Schiever launched its first supermarket under its own brand,
Maximarché
, and developed local convenience formats under the Rapidmarché and Proximarché banners.
This marked the beginning of Schiever’s regional retail network.
1988
Opening of a Fresh Products Warehouse in Vassy (89)
A dedicated fresh warehouse was opened in Vassy, near Avallon, to support the growth of the Group’s food stores.
It enabled regular supply of fresh and frozen products.
1994
Supermarket Reorganization Plan
The largest supermarkets were rebranded as ATAC, while others remained under the Maximarché brand, particularly in rural areas.
The same year, the Group opened its first Mammouth hypermarket in Avallon (89).
1996
Creation of a Regional Quality Beef Supply Chain
In response to the mad cow disease crisis, Schiever created a regional quality supply chain for beef in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
This initiative aimed to support local Charolais cattle farmers and ensure food safety for customers.
1998
New Banners Ahead of the New Millennium
With the opening of the first Maxibrico store in Avallon (89), Schiever began diversifying its activities.
This move into the DIY sector reflected the Group’s ambition to expand its local offering and help curb retail migration to larger cities.
That same year, Schiever’s hypermarkets were rebranded under the Auchan name.
Diversifying and Expanding Activities Internationally
2001
Opening of our First Hypermarket in Poland
The opening of our first hypermarket in Zielona Góra, Poland, marked a major milestone: Schiever’s very first international expansion.
2007
Opening of our First Kiabi Store
With the opening of our first Kiabi store in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire (58), we entered a new phase of diversification, adding apparel to our historical core activities in food and DIY.
2007
Maxibrico Stores Join the Weldom Network
Our 30 Maxibrico stores joined the Weldom network, marking a new step in the development of our DIY business.
This partnership allowed Schiever to become part of a national network while strengthening its presence in Burgundy and Eastern France.
2011
Opening of our First Bricoman Store in Tavaux (39)
We opened our first Bricoman store in Tavaux, in the Jura region.
2011
Creation of the bi1 Brand and Philosophy
The bi1 concept was launched in supermarkets, promoting the values: “Eat well, Feel heard, and Spend wisely.”
New regional quality supply chains were also created for veal, lamb, poultry, and pork.
2013
Opening of the First bi1 Supermarket in Veigy-Foncenex (74)
After several years of developing the bi1 philosophy, this first store brought our commitment to healthy, high-quality, and local food to life.
2014
Creation of the Hôli Brand
Developed by Schiever teams, Hôli offers a comprehensive range of interior decoration products, paints, and wall and floor coverings for both private customers and professionals.
2015
Expansion of the bi1 Brand in Poland
Schiever strengthened its presence in Poland by opening eight hypermarkets under the bi1 banner.
This expansion embodied our customer-focused philosophy, promoting healthy eating and showcasing local, organic, and high-quality products.
2016
Establishment in Tajikistan
Schiever opened the very first hypermarket in Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, in the presence of President Emomali Rahmon.
This Auchan-branded store marked the beginning of the country’s first modern retail chain.
2016
Construction of a Temperature-Controlled Warehouse in Magny (89)
This modern, energy-efficient warehouse, located near the highway in Magny (89) replaced the former Vassy site.
All fresh and frozen products distributed to stores are now handled through this logistics platform.
2018
Opening of our First bi1 Supermarket in Tajikistan
Schiever inaugurated its first bi1 supermarket in Dushanbe.
This new proximity format complements large-scale stores by offering a healthier, more accessible, and locally focused food offering.
2020
bi1cave
We launched our online wine and spirits store: www.bi1cave.fr
This initiative reconnects with our roots as a wine and spirits wholesaler. Anchored in Burgundy, we have cultivated close partnerships with regional producers for decades.
2020
After-Sales Service Becomes L’Atelier in Avallon (89)
As part of our efforts to optimize operations and reduce waste, L’atelier now centralizes many after-sales returns.
It also offers a wide range of services to individuals and professionals: installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of household appliances, audiovisual equipment, and heating systems.
2021
Establishment in Uzbekistan
We opened our first bi1 convenience stores in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
As a retail pioneer in the country, Schiever aims to provide a modern distribution while respecting local cultures and consumer habits.
2024
Joining the Intersport Cooperative
Schiever joined the cooperative model with the acquisition of 31 stores under the Intersport, Intersport Outlet, Blackstore, and GO Sport banners in Normandy, Brittany, and Pays de la Loire.
This new activity, grouped under the “Sportimum” banner, brought over 900 new employees into The Schiever Tribe.
2025
Modernization of the Butcher Workshop
The Centralized Butchery Workshop (ACB) tripled its production area to 1,200 m².
This expansion, built to the latest food industry standards, strengthens our capacity to supply meat to all our stores.
2025
Joining the Cooperative U
Confirming its commitment to the cooperative model, Schiever joined the Cooperative U.
On March 1st, 2025, 15 of our stores transitioned to the Hyper U, Super U, or U Express banners.
This group of independent retailers shares Schiever’s vision of proximity-based retail, while benefiting from the strength of a national brand and a competitive pricing policy.
