French retail giant E.Leclerc is set to accelerate its expansion into the convenience store sector, marking a major shift from its traditional hypermarket model. Long associated with vast suburban outlets, the cooperative retailer is preparing to challenge Carrefour and Casino on their strongholds: France’s urban centres. The move underscores changing consumer habits, as shoppers increasingly favour local, quick-trip formats over large weekly shops.
According to press reports, E.Leclerc plans to open around 50 new convenience outlets by 2026, expanding its current network of roughly 100 stores. In total, 53 projects are already in the pipeline—15 under the E.Leclerc Express banner (each over 700 m²) and 25 smaller sites under that threshold.
For FMCG suppliers and retail partners, this strategic shift represents both opportunity and challenge. E.Leclerc’s smaller formats will demand agile logistics, tighter assortments and pricing models that preserve its strong value credentials. As the retailer explores “white zones” not yet covered by its network, it positions itself not only to capture new urban customers but also to strengthen loyalty across multiple channels—from hypermarkets to home delivery and convenience stores alike.