Carrefour has partnered with Lagardère Travel Retail to launch 150 new convenience stores across France’s railway stations by 2030. This initiative, backed by SNCF Gares & Connexions, aims to enhance traveler convenience by offering food stores, pick-up points, and innovative retail concepts.

The rollout will see around 30 new outlets opening annually, with the first locations set to launch by the end of 2025. Carrefour will introduce two new formats: "Potager City" for fresh local produce and "Api" self-service mini-markets.

Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard highlighted this expansion as a key milestone in the company's growth and franchise strategy, following a record year of store openings in France.

Belgium’s Colruyt Group is reportedly looking to sell its 102 supermarkets in France, which have been operating at a loss. The retailer employs approximately 2,500 people in France, but despite significant investments, it has struggled to gain traction in a market dominated by hypermarkets 🏬.

Multiple sources, including L’Informé and Bloomberg, have reported on the potential sale, though Colruyt has officially dismissed these claims as "rumors". The company insists it remains committed to its French retail and wholesale operations, including its Colruyt Prix Qualité stores and Codifrance, which was recently expanded with the acquisition of Degrenne Distribution 🚛.

Gifi, the French discount retailer, is officially up for sale as its founder, Philippe Ginestet, prepares to retire after 45 years at the helm. At the age of 70, Ginestet has appointed Lazard, a merchant bank, to find a buyer. The move comes amid significant struggles for the company, including payment arrears, high employee turnover, and declining sales.

The retailer, which operates 700 stores in 17 countries and generated 1.3 billion euros in revenue last year, has faced growing competition from rivals like Action and Temu. IT challenges, particularly with a complex ERP conversion, have further strained operations, leading to a 9% drop in sales during the key year-end period.

Ineos Automotive is accelerating its U.S. growth with the launch of new dealerships, including an expanded presence in Texas and entries into three additional states. This strategic move broadens access to the brand’s rugged Grenadier 4x4, catering to adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts nationwide.

The expansion highlights Ineos’ dedication to providing top-notch vehicles and customer service, solidifying its presence in the competitive American automotive market.

Applegreen has announced a €1 billion investment to fuel its growth across Ireland, the UK, and the US over the next five years. The move follows a 9% increase in gross profits last year, reaching €972 million, despite a 6% drop in total turnover due to lower fuel prices.

The company plans to expand its network of service areas, EV charging hubs, and retail offerings. In Ireland, it aims to grow its Braeburn coffee and M&S Food partnerships, while investing in key projects like a €10 million service area in Limerick and a new facility in Dunshaughlin. In the US, food services dominate its operations, with brands like Shake Shack and Chick-fil-A playing a central role. Meanwhile, its Welcome Break business in the UK is scaling up with significant investments, including a €66 million M1 service area in Rotherham.

CEO Joe Barrett expressed confidence in the company’s growth strategy, emphasizing a focus on site upgrades, enhanced customer offerings, and sustainable EV infrastructure. Employing 17,000 people across 592 locations, Applegreen is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving service and retail landscape.