Carrefour - 2017 Annual Report

C A R R E F O U R — 3 4 More than half of the world’s population now lives in cities, and urbanisation is accelerating everywhere. In a few decades, the urbanisation rates in Latin America and China have drawn level with, and even exceeded, those in OECD countries. At the heart of the booming middle classes in emerging economies, major cities have also become crucibles for new ways of living and a source of new expectations, as city dwellers favour banners that make their lives easier. At the same time, the search for the best opportunities is leading many customers every day to explore new hybrid formats. In all of the regions where it operates, Carrefour is answering the call, strengthening the development of its banners to fulfil these new expectations. Increasing the density of the convenience network inmajor cities Everywhere in the world, Carrefour deploys a range of banners to meet every need. Supermarkets and convenience stores work in tandem to offer city dwellers products and services that are adapted to their daily lives. Whether customers want to find the perfect meal for their lunch break or before taking the train, do a quick shop or find what they need for a dinner party with friends, Carrefour’s stores are designed to fulfil their every desire. In each store, fresh products, either self-service or selected by food professionals (butchers, fishmongers, delicatessen staff, etc.) are located alongside an offering adapted to the catchment area, always with the same aim: to provide a qualitative, value- for-money offering while supporting the food transition for all. To achieve this ambition, Carrefour will open at least 2,000 convenience stores within the next five years in major cities, with banners that are appropriate for all environments: residential or office districts, commercial or tourism routes, stations, airports, hospitals, etc. Evolutionary and innovative, Carrefour’s banners capture the latest trends and identify new products and the best services to satisfy more and more customers. As in the hypermarkets, the number of organic ranges and ready-to-eat products available is growing significantly. Specialist banners are also in the pipeline, like Carrefour Bio, which already numbers 20 stores in France and a first point of sale in Madrid. Developing and upgrading supermarkets The Group will also continue to develop and remodel its supermarket banners. In parallel with the transformation of Billa stores in Romania and the opening of the first Carrefour Market in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, the Group can count on urban concepts specifically adapted for the expectations of city dwellers. The most recently opened stores in Spain, Italy and France focus on a strengthened offering of fresh products, local specialities and a range of innovative services, all in a setting that has been redesigned to make shopping a pleasurable experience. Customers of the recently upgraded supermarkets in Italy can, for example, choose between two types of shopping trip – quick or exploratory – or enjoy the catering areas and exclusive concierge services (local artisans, laundry, ticketing, etc.). The Group also makes use of these stores to roll out its exclusive digital services, home delivery, pedestrian Drive and click & collect, and to satisfy more and more customers. … CREATING AN OMNI-CHANNEL UNIVERSE OF REFERENCE Investing in growth formats