Exito

Grupo Éxito also known as Almacenes Éxito S.A. is a leading Colombian retailer that operates 262 stores directly (2009) and others indirectly (through stakes in other companies). The stores sell awide range of food and non food products.[1][2] Though originally a textiles maker and seller (under such brand names as Arkitect, People, Bronzini, Pop Rose) recent acquisitions (mostly within thelast 10-20 years) have further diversified the business making it a major grocer (under brand names like surtimax and carulla sales of food products make up about 70-75% of revenue).[3] At itshypermarkets (the largest of which is the Éxito chain) it sells both packaged foods and perishables in addition to department store type products ranging from electronics to furniture.

Almacenes isColombia's largest supermarket chain.[4]




[edit] History






A Store in Venezuela

Grupo Éxito traces its origins to a Medellín, Colombia family run textile business founded in 1949by Gustavo Toro. The business was named after the Spanish word for success (Éxito). In 1972 it transitioned into a hypermarket when it added supermarket products and in 1974 it began adding morelocations (six years before the largest location was opened in Bogotá, Colombia). In 1994 when there were four major locations, it went public on the Medellín and Bogotá stock exchanges but it didn'tbecome a leading retailer until 1998. By then the company had further diversified its business, offering services related to eye care and travel.

The beginning of the 21st century was marked by anacquisitions spree starting with an 80% interest in Venezuelan hypermarket operator Cativen (much of the funds used were raised in the late 1990's when it sold 25% of the company to French groupCasino and attracted investment from JP Morgan).[5] By year end 2010 Groupe Casino owned 53.89% of Almacenes Éxito (down from 67% in September).

-Merged with Cadenalco (formerly Colombia's largest...