Carrefour Turkey 2026: Expat Guide to Stores, Online Shopping & Franchising

Let’s be honest: Moving to Turkey involves a steep learning curve, especially when it comes to grocery shopping. While local bazaars are charming, sometimes you just crave the predictability of a European hypermarket. Enter Carrefour Turkey (CarrefourSA).

As one of the country’s retail giants, CarrefourSA isn’t just a French import; it’s a massive joint venture between the Sabancı Holding conglomerate and the Carrefour Group. For expats, it’s often the go-to spot for finding hard-to-get international items, electronics, and reliable household goods.

With a network stretching across the entire country, you’ll find everything from massive hypermarkets to corner “Mini” stores. But knowing which format to visit can save you hours of frustration.

The Backstory: French Roots, Turkish Soil

Founded in France in 1963, Carrefour is a global heavyweight. However, its Turkish operation is unique. It entered the market in 1993, opening its first store in Istanbul İçerenköy, effectively introducing the “hypermarket” concept to Turkish consumers.

The real turning point came in 1996 with a strategic partnership with Sabancı Holding. By 2013, Sabancı took the reins, acquiring majority control. Today, Sabancı Holding owns approximately 57% of the shares. This matters because it means the supply chain is deeply integrated into Turkey’s agricultural sector, with controlled breeding programs to ensure the meat and produce quality meets strict standards.

As of late 2025, CarrefourSA operates nearly 1,270 stores across more than 70 cities, serving millions of customers monthly.

What Can You Actually Buy? (The “Gurme” Factor)

For the average shopper, CarrefourSA is a lifesaver. Beyond the standard fare, it’s one of the few places where you can consistently find international brands that other chains like BIM or A101 rarely stock.

• Fresh Produce: Daily deliveries of fruits and vegetables.
• Protein: Meat, fish, and poultry from controlled sources (crucial for quality assurance).
• Home Goods: From small electronics to high-quality Turkish furniture and cookware.
• White Goods: Major appliances like fridges and washing machines.
• The “Expat Aisle”: Look for the Gurme sections for imported cheeses, specialized sauces, and gluten-free/vegan options that are hard to find elsewhere.
• Textiles: Affordable bedding and home accessories.

Mastering Online Shopping at CarrefourSA

Navigating the online shopping landscape in Turkey can be tricky due to language barriers. While the CarrefourSA interface is primarily in Turkish, it is reliable.

Practitioner Tip: Use the Google Chrome browser with the “Translate to English” extension enabled. The translations are accurate enough to distinguish between Süt (Milk) and Ayran (Yogurt Drink).

Step-by-Step Order Guide

• Visit the official CarrefourSA Website.
• Use the search bar to find products.
• Click “Sepete Ekle” (Add to Basket).
• Go to your cart and click “Siparişi Tamamla” (Complete Order).
• If you don’t have an account, select “Üye olun” (Register).
• Choose your delivery method: “Adrese Teslim” (Home Delivery) or “Marketten Gel Al” (Click & Collect).
• Select a time slot. Warning: During major public holidays, slots fill up days in advance. Plan accordingly.
• Pay securely online.

CarrefourSA Store Concepts: Which One Do You Need?

Not all Carrefours are created equal. Knowing the difference prevents you from walking into a “Mini” when you actually need a “Hiper.”

1. CarrefourSA Gurme (The Expat Favorite)

Designed for foodies. This is where you go for high-end charcuterie, imported cheeses, organic produce, and vegan items. The design is upscale, and the service is premium.

2. CarrefourSA Hiper

The classic hypermarket found in large malls. It sells everything from fresh bread to LED TVs and garden furniture.

3. CarrefourSA Super

Your standard weekly grocery stop. A good variety of fresh food and basic non-food items.

4. CarrefourSA Mini

Small convenience stores in residential neighborhoods. Great for grabbing bread and milk, but don’t expect a full range of products.

Franchising: A Business Opportunity?

For investors, CarrefourSA offers a franchise model. If you own or rent a property in a high-traffic area, you can partner with the brand. However, be prepared for paperwork; contracts in Turkey almost always require a trip to the Notary Public.

Estimated Investment Costs (2025/2026 Projections):
Note: These figures are estimates and subject to inflation and currency fluctuations.

• CarrefourSA Super: Requires 250-1,000 m². Investment is approx. 4,500-6,000 TL per m². Target turnover: 11-40 million TL/year.
• CarrefourSA Mini: Requires 75-250 m². Investment is approx. 5,000-7,000 TL per m². Target turnover: 6-8 million TL/year.

Applications can be submitted via the Franchise Form.

How to Find a Store

With over 1,200 locations, you are likely near one right now. Use the official Store Locator to check opening hours and specific formats in your neighborhood.

Customer Service & App

If you face issues with a delivery, customer service is available from 08:00 to 00:00.

• Phone: 444 10 00
• Email: [email protected]

Pro Tip: Download the mobile app for Android or iOS. App-exclusive discounts (often labeled as “App’e Özel”) can save you significant money on weekly groceries.