The partnership will see the launch of Carrefour’s exclusive brands in the country with an initial focus in the northern region. 

French retailer Carrefour is set to make a comeback in the Indian retail market through a franchise partnership with Dubai-based lifestyle retailer Apparel Group. 

The first Carrefour stores are expected to open in the National Capital Region (NCR) in 2025. 

Carrefour initially entered the Indian market in 2010, following the government's decision to allow foreign retailers to operate in the cash-and-carry format, as reported by the Hindustan Times. 

The retailer exited the market in 2014 as it could not find a partner to expand its business to a multi-brand retail format. 

Carrefour executive director for international partnership Patrick Lasfargues stated: “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.” 

Apparel Group manages more than 85 brands and operates more than 2,300 stores in 14 countries, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia India and Africa. 

In India, the group has more than 250 stores in more than 35 cities across 15 states.  

Apparel Group owner and its owner AppCorp Holding chairman Nilesh Ved stated: “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.” 

In early 2024, Carrefour entered exclusive negotiations with Groupe Intermarché for the purchase of 31 of its stores in France.