Gamm Vert changes retail strategy

The Gamm Vert network of 'farm stores' comprises 328 'Comptoirs du Village' (500 sqm convenience farm stores ¨C turnover €1.9 billion - $2.4 billion). Besides, 602 'Gamm Vert' (1,000 to 3,000 sqm, and up to 6,000 sqm garden centres) add a turnover of €11 billion ($14.2 billion) (RSP VAT inc.). VAT rates on most items sold within these stores are likely to increase in 2012.

Gamm Vert being relatively weak in the larger formats, it intends to convert existing large stores or develop new ones. Within the next two years, fifty 3,000 to 6,000 sqm garden centres are to be branded 'Gamm Vert Nature' and located in the larger town outskirts, to service coveted 'rurbans'. The Gamm Vert Nature style ¨C the French agricultural cooperatives' answer to privately owned Botanic stores ¨C will have a pets section with animals. 1,000 stores of this network ¨C peerless in number ¨C are then likely to dot the French retail landscape in the near future.