Human-scale hypermarkets

The world leader in the hypermarket segment with 1,302 stores, the Carrefour Group continually adapts its store formats to the lifestyles of its customers. To create a more pleasurable shopping experience, the hypermarkets are becoming more compact. Internationally, the average size of a new hypermarket in 2008 equalled 5,400 sq.m, just two-thirds the size of a store opened in 2004. In many cases, the growth format may even be 3,000 sq.m to match as closely as possible the needs of each trading area. In these compact formats, Carrefour is expanding its offering to remain faithful to the hypermarket concept. Countries like Colombia, Thailand, Taiwan, Poland, Spain and Romania have been pioneers in this area. In Bogotá, for example, Carrefour opened two hypermarkets with less than 2,600 sq.m of sales area. In Taiwan, Carrefour’s growth is being driven by compact and mini formats, some of which are located in shopping malls and offer a wide array of services and leisure activities.

In sync with local life

Carrefour Group banners are growing and operating with their customers' needs at the top of the list, as evidenced by Brazil's Atacadao, a store concept with a focus on low prices. At year-end 2008, Carrefour Brazil had 48 Atacadao stores, up from 34 in 2007, and recorded two-figure sales growth year-on-year. In Colombia, the Tintalito stores offer affordable and modern consumer products to customers with modest incomes at the best prices and quality.

Pleasure and choice

Entering a Carrefour hypermarket means being greeted by an affordable array of quality products. From indulgences to practical items, the shelves are continually being replenished with new products and services. With more than 3,000 Carrefour-brand products, the Carrefour hypermarkets in Thailand satisfy every family need. The Carrefour Premium range is designed for those who want only the best. The mid-range Carrefour assortment offers products of name-brand quality at very affordable prices. The Big Saver range guarantees "great savings" on staple products. In the apparel and home decoration departments, ranges are expanding in all hypermarkets. In Colombia, the Tex brand is modernizing its identity and image, offering clothing for all lifestyle needs, including urban, casual, sportswear and maternity lines. And to take it a step further, Carrefour Colombia is testing computer-aided design to improve the in-store display of clothing in three Bogotá hypermarkets. In home decoration, the "Casa & Déco" line is proving increasingly popular with customers. Stores in France added Carrefour Home to their tableware collection and the brand launched the "Young Home" range, which targets people living on their own for the first time.