Mercadona is approaching 42 billion euros and is reinventing itself: it is launching a new store model

Juan Roig urges politicians to “do their job properly,” champions quality over brands, and assures that prices will fall if raw materials do.

Physical space continues to offer significant opportunities for innovation in retail. This message could be considered groundbreaking amidst the ongoing debate about the impact of new digital offerings on the sales process and the rapid changes in business models brought about by the new supercycle of artificial intelligence. Mercadona is launching a new supermarket format called “Store 9” (Store 10 being the ideal model).

In presenting the company’s results, Mercadona’s president, Juan Roig, explained that the new model will represent a transition from a “business-oriented store model” to a “process-oriented store model.” There will be more space dedicated to fresh produce and to their commitment to ready-to-eat meals. The number of tables and chairs available for customers to eat their food in the supermarket will also increase.

The goal is to achieve a “faster and simpler shopping experience,” with all frozen and refrigerated items together, for example. There will be 51 ‘Store 9’ locations by the end of the year, and the aim is for this to become the company’s sole supermarket model by 2033, requiring an investment of €3.7 billion.