The Carrefour Group―from mono-format to multi-format, multi-channel food retailer―

Abstract

The Carrefour Group is widely regarded as the inventor of the European hypermarket, a retail format that has been subsequently transferred or adopted across the globe. In the sixty years, since its foundation, Carrefour has evolved from a mono-format, domestic based retailer into to a multi-format, multi-market, global retailer trading through more than 14,300 stores in over 40 countries. This evolution mirrors the macro trends within grocery retailing over this period, encompassing changes in retail formats, international markets, product and store brands, management control mechanisms and service and omnichannel provision. This paper provides a historical review of the changing strategies and activities of the group since the early 1960s. Although presented in chronological format, the material is cast within the periods of tenure of the six different chief executive officers who have lead Carrefour since the founding families stepped down. This approach illustrates the strategic direction pursued by each of these leaders reflecting their priorities and experiences, and the changing external and internal contexts and pressures within which they were operating. The role and actions of the corporate leader is a key element in understanding business history.