What began as a simple idea to support local retailers has grown into one of Monaco’s most widely used digital platforms…
Launched in 2019 by a group of young Monegasque entrepreneurs, the Carlo app set out to strengthen neighbourhood commerce by rewarding customers with instant cashback on purchases made in participating businesses across the Principality.
Seven years on, the platform has become a central pillar of Monaco’s retail ecosystem. More than 730 businesses now participate, alongside over 80,000 registered users in Monaco alone. For some retailers, the app generates a significant share of turnover, particularly during key periods such as the festive season and sales, whilst also attracting customers from neighbouring towns keen to spend and reinvest their cashback within the Principality.
The concept is straightforward: users receive around five percent cashback on purchases, credited immediately and designed to be spent again locally. This closed-loop system ensures that spending remains within Monaco’s economy, reinforcing the vitality of independent shops and services.
Since its launch, the platform has continued to evolve. New features now include peer-to-peer payments, online payment links for retailers and expanded digital tools aimed at boosting customer loyalty. Carlo has also begun to extend its reach beyond Monaco, establishing a presence in French cities including Aix-en-Provence and Bordeaux, where the model is being adapted to support local commerce in similar ways.
Despite this expansion, Monaco remains firmly at the heart of the project. The founders continue to develop new services tailored to the Principality’s retail landscape, positioning Carlo as both a homegrown success story and a growing export of Monegasque innovation.
Image: Carlo