Carrefour to open cash & carry biz in India by early 2010

The world's second largest retailer Carrefour is entering the Indian cash-and-carry business with a 5,000 sqare metre (sq mt) outlet in the National Capital Region (NCR) by the beginning of 2010.

The French retailer is making its Indian foray all on its own and the second outlet is also earmakrked in the NCR. Carrefour has been trying to enter the Indian retail market for at least three years now, and the company says its still in talks with potential partners for franchising front-end operations. Industry experts at one time felt the Wal Mart-Bharti Enterprises joint venture would enjoy first mover advantage, but that is running behind schedule of opening the first outlet by March 2009.