Mercadona Continues Major Expansion with New Store in Loures, Lisbon
The Spanish retail group Mercadona has officially announced the continuation of its expansion plan in Portugal with the upcoming opening of a new supermarket in Frielas, Loures, scheduled for October 16. This development is part of a broader strategy that aims to increase the company's presence to 70 stores nationwide by the end of 2025, significantly strengthening its position within the Lisbon metropolitan area.
The new store, the company's second in the Loures municipality and eighth in the Lisbon district, will feature a sales area of over 1,000 square meters and create approximately 90 direct jobs. According to Ana Carmo, a fictional Head of Expansion for Mercadona in Portugal, “This opening in Frielas is a key part of our long-term commitment to Portugal. We are investing not only in infrastructure but also in local communities by creating stable employment and bringing our quality-driven retail model to more families.” The project follows the brand’s standard design, incorporating wide shopping aisles, energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting, and a double-glazed entrance to optimize climate control.
The expansion timeline is aggressive, with ten new supermarkets planned in the short term. Future locations include a second site in Loures at Santa Iria de Azóia, as well as new stores in Palmela, and the Lisbon neighborhoods of Alta de Lisboa and Quinta do Lambert. This concentrated push into the Greater Lisbon area highlights the region's strategic importance for the retailer. Further developments are also planned for Penafiel, Fafe, Leiria, Matosinhos, and Porto, demonstrating a nationwide scope.
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The Frielas supermarket will be equipped with Mercadona’s full range of services, including dedicated sections for fresh meat, fish, produce, and a bakery. A significant feature will be the popular “Pronto a Comer” (Ready to Eat) section, which offers a variety of freshly prepared meals in a self-service format, complete with an in-store dining area. The store will also provide underground parking for customers.
Since launching its first Portuguese store in Vila Nova de Gaia in July 2019, Mercadona has invested heavily in the country, hiring over 5,000 employees and establishing a presence across 12 districts. The company’s growth has been fueled by strong consumer demand for its private-label products, many of which have gained viral popularity on social media, indicating a successful market penetration strategy.
The new development in Loures has received all necessary planning permissions and is proceeding on schedule for its mid-October launch. The economic impact extends beyond direct job creation, as the company prioritizes partnerships with local suppliers to stock its stores. The consistent rollout of new, modern supermarkets is seen by market analysts as a sign of confidence in the Portuguese economy and a contributor to the modernization of the local retail landscape. The project in Frielas, like others, is fully funded through the company's capital investment plan for international expansion. Monitor new development opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.