Carrefour expands more on supermarkets

Carrefour French retailer is stepping up expansion on the segment of supermarkets this year, while the hypermarket network is slowing down its growth pace from 7 stores, initially targeted in the medium-term business plan, to 3-4 stores. The company is expanding its supermarket network in at least five new areas, with three of these stores being already operational in Bacau, Craiova and Timisoara. Another two Carrefour supermarkets will be opened in August, in Winmarkt shopping centres in Turda and Bistrita, with sales areas of between 600 and 700 square metres, according to the owner’s representatives. Moreover, the retailer this year included in its supermarket network the small hypermarket operated in Magnolia centre of Brasov, by rebranding it into Carrefour Market. Thus, in late 2009 the French company’s supermarket unit is likely to have over 25 stores, from 19 in late 2008. Carrefour Market is the third retail brand the French group has brought on the Romanian market.