Carulla Celebrates 120 Years, Highlighting Growth and Conversion
carulla, one of America’s oldest retail chains, is celebrating its 120th anniversary, marking a notable milestone in its long history. During a recent conversation,Carlos Calleja,president of Grupo Éxito,and Carlos Mario Giraldo,general manager of Grupo Éxito,reflected on the company’s advancements and transformations.
“As a company, we are full of gratitude,” Calleja stated. “what 120 years implies is arduous to measure in words. Carulla is one of the oldest retailers in America. Without suppliers, we cannot survive.”
Giraldo detailed the company’s strategic initiatives, noting the implementation of approximately 37% assorted products within Carulla stores. He also highlighted an increase of 60 more assortments and 2,500 products, strengthening the personal care and toiletries categories.
To support customer savings,Giraldo mentioned ongoing promotions,including a 30% discount on “inaccuing” products,primarily featuring popular Colombian brands,which change every two months.
Looking ahead, calleja indicated plans for expansion into more cities in the coming years, emphasizing that the company is on the right track for future growth.
Giraldo further elaborated on the strategic direction of Grupo Éxito, explaining that nearly 500 stores within the institution are undergoing a transformation.Larger format stores are being converted to the Éxito brand,while supermarkets under 2,000 square meters are migrating to the Carulla brand.
He reported that 41 stores have already been transformed, with 26 of those becoming Carulla locations. “Carulla today already has 135 warehouses, and this year seven more transformations come to Carulla, we will end with 142,” Giraldo said. “In the next three years, there are more than 100 opportunities for transformation to Carulla.”
The company also emphasized its commitment to local sourcing and employment. Ninety-three percent of the fruits and vegetables sold in Carulla stores are purchased from local producers. Additionally, 95% of its own clothing brands are manufactured in colombia, contributing to job creation.
“Today, we want to commemorate a story, but we also want to project a future: one in which Carulla remains synonymous with closeness, service, quality, and variety,” Giraldo concluded. “We will continue working to serve our clients, reaffirming our commitment to continue growing together with them, taking our value proposition forward.”
Carulla’s history dates back to 1905, making it a pioneering force in Colombian retail. The brand has consistently adapted to market changes, evolving from a small grocery store to a significant supermarket chain. Its longevity is a testament to its ability to connect with consumers and its strategic partnerships within Grupo Éxito, a major player in Latin American retail. The focus on local sourcing not only supports Colombian producers but also resonates with consumers seeking authentic, locally-sourced products, a trend that has gained significant momentum in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carulla’s 120th Anniversary
Q: What is Carulla celebrating?
A: carulla is celebrating its 120th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history as one of America’s oldest retail chains.
Q: Who are the key figures involved in the celebration?
A: Carlos Calleja,president of Grupo Éxito,and Carlos Mario Giraldo,general manager of Grupo Éxito,were key figures in the recent discussions about Carulla’s progress.
Q: What are some of the recent transformations Carulla has undergone?
A: carulla has implemented new product assortments, strengthened personal care categories, and is undergoing a store transformation strategy where smaller format stores are being rebranded as Carulla.
Q: What is Carulla’s commitment to local sourcing?
A: Carulla sources 93% of its fruits and vegetables from local producers and manufactures 95% of its own clothing brands in Colombia.
Q: What are Carulla’s future plans?
A: carulla plans to expand into more cities and aims to transform over 100 more stores to the Carulla brand in the next three years.
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