French retail giant Carrefour is reinforcing its dominant position in the Spanish market with an ambitious expansion plan for 2025. The company has announced its intention to open over 100 new stores this year—bringing its total footprint in Spain to more than 1,600 outlets. This aggressive growth strategy positions Carrefour as the fastest-growing retailer in the country in terms of new store launches.
A Consistent Growth Trajectory
The momentum is already in motion. In the first half of 2025, Carrefour inaugurated 46 new stores across Spain. If the pace continues, the retailer is on track to match or exceed last year’s milestone of over 100 openings—a feat that underscores its long-term commitment to nationwide growth.
Since 2019, Carrefour has opened 691 stores in Spain, invested over €150 million, and generated more than 3,500 new jobs. This level of operational expansion is not just ambitious; it’s also transformative. In a recent statement, Elodie Perthuisot, Executive Director of Carrefour Spain, described the initiative as a “very ambitious expansion plan”—and rightly so.
Diversified Formats for Targeted Reach
Carrefour’s expansion is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The company is strategically diversifying its store formats to meet local needs and capture more consumer segments:
- Carrefour City: Urban convenience for high-density locations
- Carrefour Market: Mid-sized supermarkets tailored for residential areas
- Carrefour Express: Compact stores for rapid daily shopping
- Supeco: A growing discount format aimed at value-conscious customers
Notably, Carrefour’s acquisition of 47 Supercor stores from El Corte Inglés in 2024 is now in full transition. These stores are being rebranded under the Carrefour Market, Carrefour Express, and Supeco banners—bolstering the retailer’s multi-format dominance across Spain.
Market Leadership and Economic Impact
With 204 hypermarkets, 162 Carrefour Market stores, 1,090 Carrefour Express locations, and 69 Supeco outlets, Carrefour is firmly entrenched as Spain’s market leader, holding nearly 10% market share. Even amid rising competition, the company achieved a 1.4% comparable sales growth in Q1 2025.
What This Means for Franchise and Retail Investors
At Star Brands Consulting Group, we view Carrefour’s expansion as a case study in strategic retail growth. Their success in Spain provides strong validation for international investors, master franchisees, and retail developers considering entry into Carrefour’s ecosystem, either through store franchising, supply partnerships, or multi-format retail management.
The brand’s scalable model, diversified formats, and proven track record in job creation and capital investment make it a compelling opportunity for those looking to collaborate with a world-class retail operator.
Interested in Carrefour franchising or retail partnerships?
Whether you’re exploring store franchise opportunities, retail development, or multi-format management, Star Brands Consulting Group is here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to learn more about retail franchise prospects in Spain and across Europe.