Carrefour had a difficult year in 2017. Turnover growth at the French supermarket chain decreased and amounted to 1.6 per cent. In 2016, this was 3 per cent. Operation profit decreased by 14.7 per cent. The chain says considerable French competition, increased distribution costs on the most important markets, high depreciation on past investments and the trickier situation in Argentina, where the company suffered significant losses, are the most important causes.
Alexandre Bompard, general manager of Carrefour: “The annual figures of 2017 indicate we have to start transformation by globally implementing our action plan ‘Carrefour 2022’ as soon as possible. The aim of this plan is two-fold. Firstly, we want to turn Carrefour into a market leader in the field of food. Secondly, we want to establish a new standard for our omni-channel and dedicate ourselves to online sales. We’re investing considerably to be able to show increasing figures again as soon as possible.”
In January, Carrefour announced a considerable reorganisation that resulted in significant job losses in France and Belgium. In total, this should result in savings of €2 billion over a two-year term.