May 13 - Good start to a breakthrough year, sales inc. VAT + 10.5% on constant exchange rates (+ 10.2% on current exchange rates).
�� Strong momentum maintained from Q4 2007
- Q1 continued the strong momentum of Q4 2007, recording the second consecutive quarter of double digit sales growth
- This growth reflects a positive customer response to our on-going multi format strategy to make the Carrefour brand work harder, as well as the opening of more new m2 through organic growth and tactical acquisitions
- Excluding acquisitions, group sales increased 6.8%, in line with our full year objectives
- Food, which represents 73% of group sales, grew well across all formats and all markets, compensating for a general weakness in non-food spending
�� Sales trends resilient in France and robust in Spain
- France and Spain reported sales growth overall of 2.6% and 8.0% respectively. Food like for like sales were robust across all formats in both countries.
- Results from the trials of new format hypermarkets and Carrefour Market stores are very encouraging
�� Strong performance by our growth markets
- Our growth markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America increased sales in Q1 by nearly 33%. All major markets contributed, with six countries reporting like for like sales in excess of 5%: Poland, Romania, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and China
- Together, our growth markets accounted for 30% of group sales in Q1 versus 25% in the same period last year
