For anyone who is as confused as I was: Carrefour is France’s answer to Wal-Mart. They are a huge discount chain with stores in southern Europe, Asia, and South America.
It goes beyond that. Carrefour is the second largest retailer in the world. Wal Mart is No. 1. Wal Mart is probably giddy that its primary competitor in China, Carrefour, is taking hits like this because Sarkozy decided to boycott the Olympics opening ceremony. WMT only has about 100 stores in China, but is hoping to expand in a big way because of the Chinese enthusiasm for its stores.
I've been to one Wal Mart and two Carrefours in China. My impression is that the Wal Mart had longer lines, better displays and less chintzy merchandise. Although the chintz factor is higher than it is stateside, because the average Chinese doesn't have much purchasing power.
that is the same name used in Brazil (Portuguese)
“Carrefour is France’s answer to Wal-Mart.”
In an alternate universe Carrefour’s in China are stocked with goods made in the USA.