Bonpreu Group will open its first Esclat hypermarket in Barcelona city next Wednesday. The new store, spanning nearly 8,000 square metres, stands on Riera Blanca street in the Sants-Montjuïc district. It sits close to the municipal border with L'Hospitalet.
This opening marks a significant expansion for the Catalan supermarket chain. Until now, Bonpreu only operated smaller Bonpreu stores within the Catalan capital. The Riera Blanca location introduces the group's largest commercial format to Barcelona residents.
The hypermarket occupies 7,973 square metres across a ground floor and basement. It features a fishmonger with a cooking oven, a bakery, roasted chickens, and a delicatessen. Additionally, the new Esclat will include a pharmacy, perfumery, bazaar, parapharmacy, and a dedicated play area. The store will also provide a car park with electric vehicle chargers.
Bonpreu's Expansion Plans
The Riera Blanca hypermarket is one of 13 new openings the Bonpreu Group plans for this year. The company, based in Les Masies de Voltregà, Osona, intends to invest a total of €165 million in these expansions. This investment will support the growth of both its supermarket and hypermarket chains. It also includes the expansion of its EsclatOil service station network.
The hypermarket format has faced challenges in recent years. Consumer habits have shifted towards convenience and lower prices. This has boosted the popularity of smaller, proximity stores and online shopping.
Logistics and Online Growth
A substantial portion of the €165 million investment will go towards logistics infrastructure. Bonpreu is developing a new distribution platform in Montblanc, Conca de Barberà. This facility will centralise operations to increase the company's distribution capacity.
The group is also adapting the former Danone factory in Parets, Vallès Oriental. This site will become an automated warehouse for its online supermarket operations. This remodelling project carries a budget of €30 million. Bonpreu is executing it in alliance with British technology multinational Ocado. Ocado is a global leader in software and hardware development for e-commerce platforms.
Financial Performance
Bonpreu Group expects to finish the 2024 financial year with a turnover of €2.6 billion. This represents an 8.3% increase, according to company president Joan Font. He shared this forecast at a sector conference a few months ago. This growth follows a 7% rise in 2023.
The opening of the Esclat hypermarket on Riera Blanca signifies Bonpreu Group's strategic move. It aims to capture a larger share of Barcelona's retail market. This expansion provides city residents with more extensive shopping options.
Sign up for our new entrepreneurs community Bizcelona, now accepting our second wave of applicants.
Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
