Madrid and Bilbao are the first cities to get Mercadona supermarkets built around its new 'Tienda 9' concept, part of a broader plan to modernize its network. The company, led by Juan Roig, allocated €11 million to the two initial sites and plans to overhaul all 1,600 stores in Spain by 2033. The new format centralizes fresh product preparation and streamlines in-store processes, aiming to improve operational efficiency and the customer experience.
The Madrid store, located at Joaquín María López 7 in Chamberí, is the flagship for the new model. Its construction involved 23 suppliers and required an investment of €9.2 million. The opening created 28 new jobs, bringing the total staff to 48. The supermarket operates from Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 21:30, and offers 37 parking spaces, including four for electric vehicles and eight for bicycles. Its expanded central preparation area brings all fresh food processes together in one place.
In Bilbao, Mercadona has opened its first 'Tienda 9' in Vizcaya following a €1.9 million renovation of the store at Doctor Espinosa Orive 2 in Miribilla. The project involved 39 suppliers and 150 workers, and the new site has a team of 54 employees. The store is open from Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 21:00, and has a 67-space car park, including two spaces for electric vehicles. The redesign gives more space to fresh products and aims to improve the shopping experience for customers in the area.
Basic features of the 'Tienda 9' model include advanced electronic devices and collaborative tools to support self-management and faster decision-making. Refrigeration systems use Aerofoil technology to reduce cold air loss. This improves energy efficiency and comfort inside the store. Mercadona has also adopted CO2 as a refrigerant, lowering environmental impact. Upgrades to machinery and equipment support long-term operational reliability and resource savings. The company estimates energy savings of up to 10% and water consumption reductions of up to 40%.
Mercadona expects to have around 60 'Tienda 9' supermarkets operating by the end of 2026 as it continues to invest in store modernization. Its approach reflects a broader trend among Spanish retailers to prioritize sustainability and efficiency in response to changing consumer expectations. The shift is also visible in other sectors: Madrid authorities have introduced AI-powered sensors to monitor urban wildlife. The move reflects technology’s growing role in everyday urban life. For more on technology in Spanish cities, see this report on Madrid's use of AI sensors for wildlife monitoring.
As the rollout continues, customers in more regions can expect similar changes in their local stores, with sustainable operations supporting greater efficiency and convenience.
