With the arrival of warmer weather and the mass exodus to the coast, shopping habits take a complete turn. It's not the same to go out for bread in January as it is to try to fill the fridge in the middle of August in a coastal town overflowing with vacationers. For this reason, the Valencian supermarket chain led by Juan Roig has already taken steps to ensure its busiest stores aren't overwhelmed. the large influx of tourists that is expected in the coming months.
As is now customary when the heat intensifies, the company has decided to adjust its clocks to make life easier for its customers, whom they internally refer to as "bosses." This summer planning will be implemented in a total of 320 establishments strategically located in key points of the Spanish geography, allowing both residents and visitors to organize their purchases with greater flexibility without having to watch the clock late in the afternoon.
Extended closing time until 10 pm
The most noticeable change for consumers' wallets will undoubtedly be the extension of closing hours. While the rest of the year shops typically close at 21:30 p.m., during the summer season this deadline is extended. up to 22: 00 hours uninterrupted. This measure, which officially begins on June 22, means gaining half an hour of service per day in those stores that see their aisles fill up with people just as the sun begins to give a break.
This extended schedule will remain in effect until August 30, covering the peak of the holiday season. It's a strategy aimed at avoiding last-minute crowds and adapting to a much more relaxed lifestyle, where dinner and shopping are inevitably delayed. For those not in beach areas, the schedule will remain as it is now, so It's a good idea to pay attention to the signs. Information from each establishment so you don't get any surprises when you arrive at the door.
Special openings on Sundays
Another major new feature that usually generates considerable excitement is opening on public holidays. Although the company's general policy is firm regarding Sunday closures to promote work-life balance for its employees, the peak season necessitates occasional exceptions. In municipalities with the highest tourist traffic, the selected supermarkets will also be open on public holidays. They will be open on Sundays until 15:00 PM hours, ensuring that no one is left with an empty pantry before a bank holiday Monday or after a late arrival to the holiday apartment.
Iconic locations such as Benidorm, Cullera, Denia, and PeñÃscola in the Valencian Community, as well as popular destinations in the rest of Spain like Marbella, Ibiza, Salou, and Sanxenxo, will see their activity boosted by this special schedule. However, since not all 1.602 stores in the network are taking advantage of this flexibility, the company has made a [information/resource] available to the public. very intuitive search engine on their website Official. By entering the postal code or municipality, anyone can check in a jiffy whether their nearest shop opens on Sunday or extends its hours into the evening.
Locations involved and official search engine
The list of affected municipalities is extensive and covers practically the entire coastline. From the Galician beaches to the islands, passing through the Costa del Sol and the Levante region, the Mercadona logistics It has been designed to cover areas where consumption spikes. Cities like Lloret de Mar, Jávea, Oropesa del Mar, and Tavernes de la Valldigna are just a few examples of where it will be available. Enjoy this extra serviceThe idea is to make the shopping experience as seamless as possible, avoiding unnecessary queues during peak summer demand.
It is important to remember that, for areas not classified as high tourist traffic, the usual opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 21:30 p.m. will be respected, as well as closures on Sundays and national holidays. The company emphasizes that this Planning helps with organization both store teams and families, ensuring that the supply of fresh and essential products is guaranteed during the months of July and August without any setbacks.
Record sales and working conditions
This summer campaign comes at a time of record figures for the chain, which closed the last fiscal year with a significant increase in sales. Beyond the numbers, the company has focused on improvements for its employees, who are also being compensated for their efforts during these months of increased workload. Among the measures implemented, the following stand out: an extra week of vacation for the staff, in addition to the variable compensation policy that has distributed significant bonuses for objectives achieved during the previous year.
Talent management and work-life balance are pillars that the Valencian firm strives to maintain, even under the pressure of summer. By ensuring that 70% of its employees have been with the company for more than four years, the firm guarantees professional and efficient customer service, something vital when stores are packed. Profit sharing and the salary update According to the IPC, these are tools that management uses to maintain the motivation of its teams during these weeks of frenetic activity on the coast.
Adapting the supermarket network to the holiday calendar is a large-scale logistical undertaking that seeks to balance employees' need for rest with the increased demand from vacationers. By extending closing time until 10 p.m. and allowing Sunday shopping in the most popular locations, the aim is to... supply should be simple For everyone. Starting June 22, summer time becomes the best ally for those looking to make the most of their sunny days at the beach without neglecting household organization.