Carrefour launches new franchising program

French retailer Carrefour Polska is launching a new franchising program aimed at expanding the number of convenience stores under the brand Carrefour Express, the company informed during a press conference. The project is addressed to young Polish graduates who have not gained their first business experience. There is no strict age limit nonetheless. "Currently, the situation of young Poles who finish their studies and want to enter the labor market is difficult. (...) Carrefour decided to use its experience and know-how in the franchising sector to create a model of cooperation targeted at active, enterprising, young people. This way we want to help them to enter the labor market and offer a real proposal of business activity," said Guillaume de Colonges, CEO of Carrefour Polska. The company will help its young partners to find a proper location, will provide the equipment and financial help, if needed. When asked about the minimal financial input required to enter the scheme, Franchise Director at Carrefour Polska, Marek Lipka, said that the company is very flexible and will negotiate the conditions individually. Carrefour Polska has currently some 100 convenience stores operating under the brand Carefour Express.