Mercadona has rightfully earned its position as the leading retailer in Spain, and much of that success is due to its willingness to experiment with new ideas. The Valencian chain typically employs a trial-and-error strategy in very specific locations before committing to a new concept across its entire supermarket network. Currently, all eyes are on a concept called Tienda 9 (Store 9) , an evolution of the previous model that has already begun appearing in towns like Xirivella, Astorga, and Cabo de Palos.
This new format isn't simply a cosmetic facelift with more modern colors or wider aisles. It's a profound change in the store's DNA, affecting both how we shop and how staff organize their daily work . While only a lucky few can currently enjoy these facilities, the company has a very clear roadmap in place to make this system the standard in all its stores over the next decade.
From business to processes: a change of mindset
What's most striking when you enter one of these stores is that the layout is no longer based on the traditional departments. Mercadona has decided to move from a business-oriented structure to one completely focused on processes . This, which might sound like business jargon, translates very simply for the customer: the product range is arranged in a much more intuitive way, allowing them to complete their shopping without unnecessary detours.
For the employees, this change is a blessing in their daily work. By grouping tasks, movement around the store is drastically reduced, and restocking products becomes much faster. The goal is to keep shelves fully stocked without staff having to constantly crisscross the supermarket, which also improves coordination among the entire sales team.
Furthermore, this new approach has allowed for the consolidation of areas that were previously somewhat scattered. For example, the refrigerated and frozen food sections have been unified to make cold chain management much more direct and efficient . It's a detail that the average shopper might not notice at first glance, but it greatly helps to make filling the shopping cart smoother and less stressful.
The Central Workshop and Resource Efficiency
One of the highlights of Store 9 is undoubtedly the Central Bakery. This unified space centralizes all the tasks involved in preparing fresh products, such as cutting meat, baking bread, and packaging. Previously, these tasks were carried out in different parts of the store, but now everything is centralized in one place , freeing up considerable space in the self-service areas so the products can be displayed more effectively.
This centralization not only aims for order but is also a key element for the business's sustainability. According to company data, this system allows for a 40% reduction in water consumption and a 10% reduction in energy expenditure. In a context where every drop and every kilowatt counts, these figures demonstrate that operational efficiency goes hand in hand with respect for the environment.
On the other hand, Store 9 is serving as the perfect testing ground for new products before they are rolled out across Spain. Recently, new items have appeared in the bakery section, such as a line of packaged pastries with very competitive prices ranging from €0,85 to €1,45. From individual cakes to the eye-catching pink cake, everything is tested here to gauge consumer reaction before its mass release.
Technology and sustainability in every aisle
Technological innovation is also evident in the atmosphere, especially in the refrigerated section. Systems called Aerofoil have been installed on the refrigerated display cases; these are essentially pieces that prevent cold air from escaping into the aisles. This not only improves the energy efficiency of the display units but also prevents customers from feeling that icy chill when they walk past the refrigerators, thus improving overall thermal comfort.
In addition, CO₂ is used as a natural refrigerant, a much cleaner option than traditional gases that significantly reduces environmental impact. The store is connected via electronic devices and collaborative tools that allow managers to make real-time decisions based on precise data about stock levels and machine operation—something previously unthinkable.
They haven't forgotten about customer rest or making it easy to get to the store either. For example, recent openings like the one in Cabo de Palos include areas with tables and chairs for taking a break, and spacious parking lots with spaces for electric vehicles and bicycles. It's clear they want going to the supermarket to be less of a chore and more of a pleasant experience, better suited to modern times.
A multi-million dollar deployment with an eye on 2033
The transformation we're seeing in cities like Astorga and Cambrils is no small feat. Mercadona plans to invest a staggering €3.700 billion over the next few years to bring this Store 9 model to every corner of the country. It's an ambitious plan that will be rolled out gradually between 2026 and 2033, ensuring that each renovation meets these new standards of productivity and sustainability.
In provinces like Girona, renovations have already involved multi-million euro investments in stores in Blanes and La Bisbal d'Empordà , demonstrating a steady pace of implementation. Each time a store is updated, the goal is not only to increase sales, but to do so in a much smarter and more coordinated way , making the most of every square meter of the establishment to provide the best possible service to the customer they affectionately call "the boss."
The commitment to this new business model marks a turning point in the Valencian chain's strategy, prioritizing the efficiency of internal processes and the conservation of essential resources. With the Central Production Department at the heart of fresh produce and an organization designed to save time for both employees and customers, Store 9 is emerging as the standard for modern retail in Spain, consolidating a transformation that will be fully implemented in less than a decade to offer a much more streamlined and environmentally friendly shopping experience.
