OREANDA-NEWS. On 26 February 2009 X5 Retail Group N.V., Russia's largest retailer in terms of sales (LSE ticker: “FIVE”), announced that the rebranding of Perekrestok hypermarkets has been completed and all X5’s hypermarkets now operate under the Karusel brand.

The rebranding has been carried out in record time:  three pilot projects were successfully completed by the end of 2008, while the remaining 14 Perekrestok hypermarkets were re-launched under the Karusel brand within one month in 2009.

The Company is also pleased to report that it has opened a new Karusel hypermarket in Moscow. As a result, the total number of Karusel hypermarkets under X5 management reached 47 stores that are located in 16 regions of the European part of Russia and the Urals.

Lev Khasis, X5 Retail Group CEO, commented:

“Now that we have rebranded all hypermarkets as Karusel, we will focus our efforts on enhancing the format’s appeal to consumers particularly in areas that can help them in tougher economic times.  This includes pricing strategy, loyalty programs and assortment.  Moreover, we are making sure that consumers hear about these exciting changes at Karusel.  We have launched advertising and promotional campaigns that are aimed at strengthening consumer awareness of our “everything under one roof” and “low price” concept, and will create enthusiasm for Karusel as the best place for family shopping!