Leclerc has posted a 5.5% growth in sales to €17.1 billion for the first half of 2013, excluding petrol. The French retailer recorded strong growth in its home market, with sales of €15.9 billion excluding fuel, an increase of 4.7%.
The positive results come as as 'part of a continuous progression', with the retailer recording a 65% increase in French sales since 2002, excluding fuel. Leclerc's ongoing growth trajectory confirms 'the success of the aggressive policy of low prices', the retailer said.
Leclerc's international operations showed slower growth, recording a 2.5% increase in sales to €1.4 billion, including petrol.
Leclerc's 352 Drive stores are, according to the retailer, 'experiencing strong growth', with a total turnover of €720 million for the first half of 2013, 'up 68% compared to the first half of 2012'. The format now accounts for 38% of Leclerc's growth.
The retailer's more specialist operations - which include gardening, entertainment and jewellery retail banners - recorded first-half sales of €1.1 billion, showing growth of 5.9%.
The retailer is currently in the process of rolling out an online operation for its entertainment offering, espaceculturel.fr, with an online pharmacy to follow.
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
