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INTRODUCTION

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The Beginning of Carrefour

The origin of Carrefour was established in France by the Fournier and Defforey families in 1959. Carrefour means "crossroads" in French. In 1963, Carrefour invented a new concept which is the idea of hypermarket. The first Carrefour hypermarket opened in Sainte-Genevieve-des-Bois, with a sales area of 2,500 m square, twelve check out and 400 parking spaces. In 1980s, Carrefour store brand products were introduced.

In the 1990s, the internationalization of the company started to increase and new store was opened all over the world. With a presence in about 30 countries more than half of its sales are generated outside France. This makes it one of the most international of all food retailers. The group concentrated mainly in three continents which are Europe, Latin America and Asia. In 1999, Carrefour merged with Promodes, and became the leader of the retail business in Europe, the second largest company worldwide.

Over the past 40 years, the Carrefour group has grown to become one of the world's leading distribution groups. The world's second-largest retailer and the largest in Europe, the group currently operates four main grocery store formats which is hypermarkets, supermarkets, discounters and convenience/cash and carry stores. The Carrefour group currently has over 12,500 stores which is located in 29 countries, either company-operated or franchises. Carrefour operates mainly in Europe, Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, but also has shops in North Africa and other parts of Asia, with most stores being of smaller size than hypermarket or even supermarket.

Company Perspectives

The Group has formulated a policy based on convenience, trust, low prices and quality products and services. All over the world, Carrefour is working to bring consumer products within the reach of the greatest number of people. It is...