Sherpa is a cooperative of retailers and a brand in the food distribution sector in France, owned by the Coréma company, a subsidiary of the cooperative. It operates through a network of convenience stores and supermarkets, primarily located in French winter sports resorts across the Alps, the Jura Mountains, and the Pyrenees. The Casino Group has partnered with the cooperative to supply products to Sherpa supermarkets.[3]
The name is both a reference to the Sherpa people living in high altitude, and verlan for cheap in french ("pas cher").
History
In 1988, ten mountain commerce stakeholders joined forces to enhance their competitiveness by offering tailored services aimed at ensuring the success of their customers' vacations. Together, they established the Sherpa food retail brand.[4]
From 1992 to 1999, operating independently of wholesale systems, Sherpa formed a partnership with the Promodès group. By 1995, Sherpa had grown to include 50 independent stores.