Carrefour set to enter India through partnership with Apparel Group

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This report has been updated

French retail giant Carrefour is set to re-enter the Indian market through a strategic franchise partnership with Apparel Group, according to a release from Dubai’s leading retail and lifestyle player in India. Carrefour plans to open hypermarkets, supermarkets, and gourmet stores across the country.
 

The partnership will initially introduce Carrefour’s exclusive brands in North India, with plans for nationwide expansion. The first store will open in the National Capital Region in 2025, although the specific format of the store has not yet been disclosed.

Carrefour first entered India in 2010 with cash-and-carry outlets but exited in 2014 due to restrictions on foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail.

“Thanks to this partnership, we are very happy to launch in India and grow our footprint in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. We will be expanding with multiple formats across the country to adapt to this dynamic country’s retail landscape. India is now the cornerstone of the Carrefour International Partnership 2026 development plan, marking a significant step forward in our strategy to expand into over 10 new countries by 2026,” said Patrick Lasfargues, Carrefour’s executive director of international partnerships.

Nilesh Ved, owner of Apparel Group and chairman of AppCorp Holding, commented, “We are extremely proud and excited to announce our partnership with Carrefour, one of the world’s leading retailers. In a very dynamic and rapidly changing market for food retail, we plan to open our first Carrefour stores during the summer of 2025. This partnership represents a significant step in strengthening our position in India. Our goal is clear: to offer the best products at very attractive prices to all Indian customers and make Carrefour their preferred choice for shopping.”

The India franchise partner plans to introduce various formats, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and gourmet stores, with sizes ranging from 8,000-30,000 square feet. 

“Our stores will feature a wide range of products, including groceries, fresh produce, and other food items. Depending on the store format, we will also offer non-food items such as household goods, electronics, and clothing,” Ved added. 

Carrefour, which began in 1959, now operates 14,000 stores in over 40 countries, with a turnover of €94.1 billion in 2023, according to the company’s website.

Apparel Group currently operates 250 stores across more than 35 cities and 15 states.

“This strategic move marks a significant step in Apparel Group’s growth, leveraging its deep market knowledge and infrastructure to bring Carrefour’s renowned global retail experience to new regions across the country,” the company said in its release.

Plan of action
 

Aims to introduce formats such as hypermarkets, supermarkets and gourmet stores 
 

Looks to cater to the diverse customer needs and the store size will vary from 3,000 to 8,000 sq ft

Carrefour has 14,000 stores in over 40 countries, and its turnover in 2023 stood at €94.1 bn