1949 CE
Foundation of Almacenes Éxito
Almacenes Éxito is founded in Medellín, Colombia, by Gustavo Toro Quintero, Luis Eduardo Yepes, and other investors with initial capital from local entrepreneurs. #retail #colombia
Chronological Storyline (33 Milestones)
Mar 1, 1950 CE
First Store Opens
The first Éxito store opens in Medellín, introducing a modern retail concept with self-service and a wide product range. #retail #colombia
1954 CE
Expansion to Bogotá
Éxito opens its first store outside Medellín in Bogotá, marking the beginning of national expansion. #retail #colombia
1960 CE
Introduction of Self-Service Model
Éxito adopts the self-service model across its stores, following trends from North America and Europe to improve efficiency. #retail #innovation
1965 CE
Expansion to Cali
Opens store in Cali, strengthening presence in Colombia's major cities. #retail #colombia
1972 CE
Launch of Credit Card Program
Éxito introduces its own credit card, the 'Tarjeta Éxito', to boost customer loyalty and sales. #retail #finance
1976 CE
IPO on Bolsa de Bogotá
Almacenes Éxito goes public with an initial public offering on the Bolsa de Bogotá, raising capital for expansion. #finance #colombia
1980 CE
First Hypermarket Format
Opens its first hypermarket, 'Éxito Hipermercado', in Medellín, combining supermarket and department store. #retail #innovation
1985 CE
Expansion to Barranquilla
Opens a store on the Caribbean coast in Barranquilla, entering the northern region. #retail #colombia
1990 CE
Launch of Loyalty Program 'Puntos Éxito'
Introduces a points-based loyalty program, one of the first in Colombian retail. #retail #marketing
1994 CE
Acquisition of Almacenes Ley
Acquires Almacenes Ley, a regional chain, expanding footprint in the Caribbean and Andean regions. #mergers #colombia
1998 CE
Strategic Alliance with Casino Group
Casino Group acquires a 25% stake in Éxito, bringing international expertise and capital. #investment #retail
Jan 1, 2000 CE
Merger with Carulla
Éxito merges with Carulla, a leading Colombian supermarket chain, creating the largest retail group in the country. #mergers #retail
2001 CE
Launch of Discount Brand 'Surtimax'
Launches Surtimax, a hard discount banner, to compete in the low-income segment. #retail #innovation
2002 CE
Carlos Mario Giraldo Named CEO
Carlos Mario Giraldo becomes CEO, leading a period of aggressive expansion and modernization. #leadership #retail
2004 CE
Acquisition of 'Supermercados Comfandi'
Acquires the supermarket chain Comfandi from the Comfandi compensation fund. #mergers #colombia
2006 CE
Launch of E-commerce Platform 'Éxito.com'
Launches online shopping platform, starting with home delivery in Bogotá and Medellín. #ecommerce #retail
2008 CE
Acquisition of 'Almacenes La 14' Assets
Acquires several stores and assets from bankrupt chain Almacenes La 14. #mergers #retail
2010 CE
Global Financial Crisis Impact
Reports slowed growth but maintains profitability due to strong domestic demand. #finance #retail
2011 CE
Acquisition of 'Almacenes Vivero'
Acquires the Vivero chain, expanding presence in the southwest region. #mergers #colombia
2012 CE
Casino Increases Stake to Majority
Casino Group increases its stake in Éxito to over 50%, gaining control. #investment #corporate
2013 CE
Launch of 'Éxito Paga' Mobile Payment
Introduces a mobile payment system, allowing customers to pay via smartphone. #technology #retail
2014 CE
Opening of Flagship Store in Bogotá
Opens a state-of-the-art flagship hypermarket in Bogotá, setting new standards for the brand. #retail #expansion
2015 CE
Expansion of Surtimax Banner
Accelerates rollout of Surtimax discount stores, reaching over 100 locations. #retail #growth
2016 CE
Partnership with Uber for Delivery
Partners with Uber to offer on-demand grocery delivery in select cities. #innovation #ecommerce
2017 CE
Acquisition of 'Supermercados El Corte Inglés' Colombia
Acquires the Colombian operations of El Corte Inglés, adding upscale stores. #mergers #retail
2018 CE
Implementation of Blockchain for Supply Chain
Adopts blockchain technology to enhance traceability of food products. #technology #supplychain
2019 CE
Carlos Mario Giraldo Steps Down
CEO Carlos Mario Giraldo retires after 17 years; replaced by Juan Carlos Botero. #leadership #retail
Mar 1, 2020 CE
COVID-19 Response and Online Surge
Adapts stores for safety and sees dramatic growth in e-commerce sales during the pandemic. #covid19 #ecommerce
2021 CE
Launch of 'Éxito Drive' and 'Éxito Express'
Introduces curbside pickup and express delivery options to meet changing consumer habits. #innovation #retail
Oct 1, 2022 CE
Casino Sells Stake to Grupo Calleja Consortium
Casino Group sells its 86.4% stake to a consortium led by Grupo Calleja, taking Éxito private. #mergers #acquisitions
2023 CE
Juan Carlos Botero Replaced as CEO
After the change in ownership, new CEO appointed (not publicly disclosed). #leadership
2024 CE
Continued Expansion of Digital Channels
Focuses on omnichannel strategy, integrating physical stores with online and app-based services. #technology #retail