Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona has introduced its brand-new ‘Tienda 9’ (Store 9) model in Madrid and Bilbao, marking a major innovation in its retail strategy. The company plans to invest heavily to roll out this new standard nationwide, aiming to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and enhance the shopping environment.
Grand Transformation Plan and Details of the First Stores
Mercadona has announced a long-term transformation plan. According to this plan, the company expects to open approximately 60 ‘Tienda 9’ stores across Spain by the end of 2026. This represents a complete overhaul of the existing ‘Tienda 8’ model, with the entire upgrade project set to be gradually completed between 2026 and 2033, involving a total nationwide investment of €3.7 billion.
The specific details of the first two new stores are as follows:
- Madrid Store: Located at Calle Joaquín María López, 7, in the Chamberí district. This store involved an investment of €9.2 million and created 28 new jobs, bringing the total staff to 48. It features 37 parking spaces (including 4 for electric vehicles) and 8 bicycle spaces, with opening hours from 9:00 to 21:30, Monday to Saturday.
- Bilbao Store: Located in the Miribilla district. The renovation of this store required an investment of €1.9 million and involved the collaboration of 39 suppliers and 150 construction workers. The car park offers 67 spaces (including 2 for electric vehicles), and the opening hours are from 9:00 to 21:00, Monday to Saturday.
The Core of Process Redesign: ‘Obrador Central’ (Central Processing Area)
A key innovation of the new store model is the creation of a ‘Central Processing Area’ (Obrador Central). This area centralizes all fresh product processing, such as cutting, cooking, and packaging. This process-oriented spatial reorganization not only frees up more shelf space for product display but also enables more efficient resource management. According to Mercadona, this change is expected to save up to 10% in energy consumption and 40% in water usage.
Technology-Driven Sustainability
To enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, ‘Tienda 9’ incorporates a range of innovative technologies. The stores are equipped with advanced electronic devices and collaborative management tools to support autonomous operational decisions and speed up supply chain response. In terms of energy saving, refrigerated display cases use the Aerofoil airflow guidance system, which creates a curtain of cold air to effectively reduce cold air spillage, improving energy efficiency while also enhancing temperature comfort in the aisles. Furthermore, the refrigeration systems exclusively use carbon dioxide (CO2) as a refrigerant, reducing their environmental impact. The plant room equipment has also been technologically upgraded to ensure higher long-term operational efficiency and easier maintenance.
