Mercadona To Enter Basque Country

Spanish discounter Mercadona is to set up shop in the Basque Country, with plans to open some 25 supermarkets in the region over the next six years. The roll-out will see the Valencia-based chain invest €50 million with the first store expected to open at the end of 2014 or in early 2015.    The roll-out of the store network in the region will see the creation of about 1,000 jobs and the retailer aims to invest further in the Euskadi area, saying it anticipates it will spend €150 million on local products.    It is thought that the expansion of Mercadona's store network in the region will follow the template set by its recent entry into the autonomous Navarre region. The first store opened in January in Ansoáin and has been a great success, according to Alimarket. Mercadona is investing €40 million in Navarre, rolling out 20 supermarkets over the next five years, creating 800 positions. (5 March)   © 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Sadhbh Connor