Costco plans to open 15 hypermarkets

Costco has chosen France to make his entrance in continental Europe and plans to open its stores in approx. fifteen cities within 5-10 years.

Costco, the number three on the U.S. distribution, plans to enter France in early 2015, opening a first hypermarket at Bussy-Saint Georges (Seine-et-Marne). The American giant foresees a rapid development and assumes to settle in fifteen cities (Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Bordeaux, ...) throughout the territory.

Costco recorded $ 97 billion in revenue and $ 1.7 billion in net income during its last fiscal year. In the face of a membership fee ($ 55 / year), Costco offers the possibility of making bulk purchases. Its gross margin does not exceed 15%, while that of the French retailers is estimated between 24 and 30%.

Source: les echos fr