Carrefour director for French hypermarkets Guillaume Vicaire has said the revival of promotional activity will become a priority under the leadership of chief executive Lars Olofsson

The retailer will use more commercials and promotional events in its marketing drive.

Vicaire confirmed that 40 hypermarkets will be converted to the Carrefour planet concept by the end of the year, with 120 hypermarkets to be changed before the end of 2013. The cost of the conversion so far has come in at E4m (£3.5m) per store, slightly lower than the expected E4.2m (£3.7m) , although an effect on sales will not become apparent until mid-2012, Vicaire said.