French retail takes on Amazon

French retailers Intermarché, Auchan and Carrefour are seeking to stave off the imminent threat of Amazon by facilitating access to their digital platforms and pick-up points for small independent retailers, according to a report by Retail Detail. Carrefour is specifically supporting independent food stores, while Intermarché and Auchan are supporting independent bookstores, clothes stores and toy stores by opening up their e-commerce sites and pick-up points to small shops. Carrefour is offering free access to its marketplace and an “accelerated digitisation solution with the support of its partner Mirakl”. The retailer stressed the importance of its long-term partnerships with growers.

A press release by Carrefour stated:

“Through its Quality Channels, Carrefour has been weaving partnerships with French producers for nearly 30 years to guarantee them a level of price and volume over several years in return for their commitment to provide fresh, tasty products that are good for health and the environment. Today, Carrefour is proud to already have more than 18,000 long-term partners, to the delight of our customers, who can be sure that they will find something good to eat in our stores. But France’s agriculture is full of talent and that’s why Carrefour is today appealing to all fruit and vegetable producers who have not yet joined our shelves.”

Intermarché ran an ad last week in a French newspaper stating: “Sorry Amazon. From Monday, all those who, like us, wish to support local commerce will once again be able to buy their books from their bookseller.”