BUSINESS ABROAD: Apostle Behind the Counter

"This man may transform the medieval French retail trade along 20th century lines." So said a high French government official last week of Edouard Leclerc, a young (32), socially minded and devout Frenchman who is sparking a revolution in French food-selling practices. Leclerc, who started out by studying to be a Roman Catholic priest, changed his mind, and decided that he could help the poor more by donning a grocer's apron and bringing down the cost of living. Nine years ago, with $40, he opened a stall behind his house in Landerneau, near Brest, offering staple groceries only...

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