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Carrefour announces the dismissal of more than 2 employees and the sale of several stores in Brazil, raising R$400 million! Discover the details of this decision that could impact the retail sector in Brazil!
the end of the year has arrived with surprising news that has had repercussions in the retail sector: Carrefour, one of the largest retail groups in Brazil, announced that will fire more than 2 thousand employees by the end of 2024.
This action has been underway since November and only involves fixed vacancies.
The impact of this decision, which affects approximately 1,5% of the company's total workforce, of approximately 130 thousand workers, has generated speculation about the real reasons for this restructuring.
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To understand the details of this movement, it is necessary to go beyond the figures and the simple reduction in personnel.
O Carrefour Group does not hide the fact that it is going through a restructuring process.
The objective is to improve the operational efficiency of your stores, increase sales and, of course, remain competitive in the market.
In your last financial report, released in the third quarter of 2024, the company recorded a net profit of R $ million 221, a significant increase in 67% compared to the same period last year.
What motivated the dismissal of more than 2 thousand workers?
According to the group, the layoffs are part of the natural cycle of the retail market, which is characterized by turnover — the employee turnover rate.
This phenomenon is considered common in large companies that operate in this sector, with highs and lows in hiring and layoffs.
Thus, Carrefour states that these movements should not impact store operations or customer service, especially at the end of the year, a critical sales period for retail.
In an official statement, Carrefour explained: “The Carrefour Brasil Group has more than 130 thousand employees and in October, 6 thousand vacancies were opened by the company”.
“Any hiring or firing process in the retail sector, characterized by high turnover, happens on a daily basis, which does not affect, at any time, the company's operations and the service and support provided to our customers,” the company said.
For many, this justification is an attempt to minimize the impact of this major restructuring.
Restructuring and divestments
Carrefour's restructuring is not limited to dismissal of employees. In a strategic move to raise capital, the company also announced the sale of stores.
in this month of December 2024, the company announced the sale of 8 stores of the National flag, in Curitiba.
These divestments are part of a broader strategy, which includes the sale of other units of its flags National e Good price.
Carrefour intends to raise R $ million 400 with this transaction and has so far completed the sale of 7 stores of Bompreço and 8 stores of the National flag.
Impacts and predictions for the future
Although the company says the layoffs and unit sales will not affect store operations, retail sector experts are closely monitoring Carrefour's movements.
The sale of stores and the dismissal of employees may reflect a reassessment of the company's strategy in Brazil, where the market has become increasingly competitive and challenging.
The idea of divesting and focusing on more efficient operations may be an attempt to adapt to a rapidly changing scenario in the sector.
The company also predicted that all 64 stores under the Nacional and Bompreço banner be sold by the first half of 2025.
This move could change the panorama of the group's operations in Brazil, leading to a transformation in the stores that remain under the Carrefour banner.
These divestments could lead to an even deeper restructuring, with possible new layoffs and adjustments to its organizational structure.
What does this mean for employees and consumers?
To the collaborators affected by the layoffs, the changes could be a hard blow in a context of economic uncertainty.
The layoff movement can generate concern on the stability of jobs in the sector, especially in a scenario of economic recession that Brazil has been facing.
the consumers, on the other hand, may have a mixed experience, as the promise of operational efficiency may translate into better services and more end of year promotions.
Still, the question remains: to what extent will Carrefour be able to balance cost cutting and improving the shopping experience for customers?
What do you think about this restructuring of Carrefour? Do you believe these changes will affect the brand's stores? Share your opinion in the comments!
What good news for the L gang!
It seems that Carrefour continues its retaliation against Brazil because of Agro, the pressure would be against the government.
We should reduce business with France and offer our products at a lower price to other European countries. Who knows, maybe they will reflect better on layoffs and store closures here in Brazil and buy our products. That would be reciprocity.
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