In search of new legitimate compromises? The assimilation of “local supply chains” by large food retailers[A la recherche de nouveaux compromis légitimes ? L'intégration des "circuits courts" par la grande distribution alimentaire]

• Research objectives/topics The purpose of this research is to understand the processes of delegitimation and relegitimation applicable to a retail format, taking the example of large-scale food retailing (LFR), whose legitimacy has regularly been questioned in recent years. • Methodology/approach We draw on and compare the theoretical frameworks of the economies of worth and of the neo-institutional approach and use them to put forward an original approach based on the notion of legitimacy test(s), which enables us to analyse a number of semi-structured interviews conducted with purchasers who buy their food from large retailers and formats normally associated with local supply chains. • Results Criticism emanating from the domestic world and seeking to delegitimise the LFR sector's industrial-market compromise is being internalised by the latter in order to relegitimise itself, in particular by incorporating local supply chains. Nevertheless, the legitimacy test applicable to this action in the LFR sector's initial compromise is not proving successful with purchasers who are overwhelmingly opting for local supply chains. • Managerial/societal implications We explore the possibilities of a new compromise that would enable the LFR sector to internalise criticism by moving beyond the tension between heritage and technical skills, and "focusing on the local". We also offer our thoughts on the changes that might occur in food retailing between now and 2025, both for the LFR sector and for local producers. • Originality This research follows on from other research projects undertaken in recent years on the subject of legitimacy and puts forward an original framework for analysing the legitimation processes applicable to a retail format.