2027 presidential election: Casino chief urges candidates to defend local shops

“The future of large-scale retail is small-scale retail,” Casino chief executive Philippe Palazzi told La Tribune Dimanche, urging every candidate in France’s 2027 presidential election to take up the cause of local shops.

Palazzi said changing consumer habits favor nearby purchases over weekly trips to hypermarkets. He also stressed the importance of maintaining a human connection through shops in town centers and rural areas.

To make town-center shopping easier, he suggested park-and-ride facilities connected to free shuttle services. He also backed voluntary Sunday afternoon opening, provided employees receive higher pay. Online shopping, he said, now allows consumers to buy on Sundays, when physical stores are closed, putting them at a disadvantage.

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The future of large-scale retail is small-scale retail!

Casino has begun developing what Palazzi called a complete offering for everyday needs, including takeaway food, parcel collection, small-appliance rental and luggage storage. He said takeaway food is the group’s main focus and that Casino aims to generate 50% of its revenue from the sector within 10 years, through snacks and prepared meals, without ruling out acquisitions.

Palazzi said younger and older generations alike cook less than they used to. He identified Monoprix as well placed in the segment, while Naturalia, Franprix and Casino also offer takeaway food. All of the group’s brands, he said, are intended to follow that model.

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Before, when stores were closed that day, we waited until Monday. Today, we buy on Sunday through online sales platforms, and that is what penalizes us.