Road narrows for French drives

After 7 years of accelerating growth since the opening of France’s first click and collect ‘drive’ retailer, there are now signs of a slowdown.

• Market leader Leclerc plans only 50 new outlets in 2015, compared with 140 in 2014.
• 2 million new customers were recruited in 2014, but 3.1 million did not return.
• At least 18 outlets have now closed altogether.

It could be, however, that the segment is simply changing gear to refine its offer more effectively.

• It still represented 47% of overall food retail sales growth in 2014, even if down from 80% in 2013.
• Supermarkets with drives are performing 3% more strongly than those without.
• They accounted for 4.5% of grocery sales in October 2014.

Infant milk powders are the top selling product, with still water the top beverage in 9th position.