Carrefour to start India ops in 09-10, talks on for partners

NEW DELHI: French retail giant Carrefour is planning to launch its wholesale cash and carry operations in India in the current fiscal and has started talking to suppliers on this.

The company is also continuing with efforts to find a local partner to run its franchise retail operations in India and discussions are on with some players.

"We would be opening our first wholesale cash and carry outlet within fiscal 2009-10, most probably by end of 2009 or early 2010. We will start with Delhi NCR and then follow it up with other places," Carrefour India Managing Director Herve Clec'h told PTI.

He said Carrefour is also scouting for local partners for its franchise retail operations in India and discussions are on with some players.

The company had earlier decided to keep its wholesale cash and carry business separate from the retail operations to conform with the Indian laws.

Clec'h said the company is keen on catering to multiple segments including apparel and accessories and fruits and vegetables as part on the cash and carry operations.

Meanwhile, Carrefour today held meetings with over 600 suppliers here for opening its first cash and carry store in India.