Carrefour trialing new formats in Europe | Progresiv
As part of its strategy to create a new generation of hypermarkets, Carrefour has rolled out a new design in Italy. Meanwhile in Belgium, it has announced plans to trial an organic-focused store and a new express design. 
Carrefour Italia has opened an updated hypermarket in Portogruaro, which it says is aimed at simplifying the shopping experience. The 5,000 sq m store carries a range of 20,000 SKUs and focuses on quality, organic and food-to-go. There are more than 2,400 fresh products and 4,000 SKUs offered at a discounted rate.
The store’s fruit and vegetable section has been expanded to cater for a larger organic offering, which will include products sourced from over 100 local suppliers. The store also includes a pharmacy, opticians, laundry and sushi area.
Another feature of the store is the Barilla Pasta Corner, developed in partnership with pasta producer Barilla. The catering concept offers customers a variety of pasta dishes which can be consumed on-site.
Separately, Carrefour Belgium announced plans to open 100% organic stores by June 2019. The retailer will initially open five organic stores in large urban areas, such as Brussels. The stores will include a selection of health-oriented products, such as those without gluten or lactose and will primarily target new customers.
Carrefour Belgium’s general secretary, Geoffroy Gersdorff, commented, “We are convinced that opening a Carrefour Bio supermarket in 2019 is the next logical step. Not only to duplicate what already exists but to enhance our offer by proposing a qualitative experience”.
Meanwhile, the retailer will also trial an automated Carrefour Express store, which will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The retailer explained, “People will go in and indicate on a screen what they want to buy. They will pay and a machine will prepare their order right away”. If the trial proves a success, Carrefour hopes to roll out the format to high footfall locations in urban areas or train stations. (www.igd.com)
