French retail group Casino has reported a strong performance in its international business in the third quarter, while domestic sales showed a slower rate of growth. Total net sales soared 35.2 per cent to €11,767 million, aided by the full integration of GPA in Brazil, while growth was 2.2 per cent on a like-for-like basis, excluding petrol.
Organic growth in France was 0.2 per cent, although reported growth declined by 1.6 per cent to €4.66 billion. The biggest drop-off was in Géant Casino hypermarkets with a decline of 7.2 per cent, but sales via the retailer's online format, Cdiscount, jumped 22.8 per cent.
The group's International division is driving growth, accounting for 60.4 per cent of total sales during the quarter, compared with 46 per cent for the same period last year. Latin America displayed like-for-like growth of 7.5 per cent, with organic growth of 9.6 per cent which the retailer attributed to same-store growth in Brazil and its expansion in Colombia.
The group's Asian arm reported growth of 3.5 per cent on a same-store basis, with total sales jumping 19.9 per cent supported by a strong performance in Thailand.
Casino said it plans to employ cost-controlling plans in France, with a particular focus on its hypermarket business, while continuing expansion of its International business. (16 Oct)
© 2012 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
