Carrefour rumour

There were rumours going around that Carrefour would be coming to Kazakhstan and the first store would be in the long awaited Dostyk Plaza.   But the latest news from the National Agency for Export and Investment is that there are no plans made by Carrefour to enter Kazakhstan.

Why did the rumour start?

Back in 2011 Carrefour announced that they had plans to enter the market in Kazakhstan, Georgia and Russia.  Although the Tbilisi store has been successful, those that opened in Russia have since failed.

How viable was the idea?

I am sure that the company consider the viability of entering the Kazakhstan market, and competing with Metro the German network that already has a strong presence. 

But from their store failures in Russia, they might have also reconsidered their whole strategy and might be looking for other areas that represent easier entry to the market.  

It is sad that Carrefour is not coming to Kazakhstan, as I am a strong believer in some good competition. 

Now, my only hope is that Metro would actually open in Dostyk Plaza : )