Mercadona is set to reach the Algarve next year. The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking the milestone of the brand’s 65 stores in Portugal.
The Spanish brand is preparing to head south to open not one, but two stores in Portimão at the Nova Vila Retail Park and Faro at Vale da Amoreira.
“The arrival in the Algarve region has been highly requested for several years and represents an important milestone in our internationalization journey,” said Inês Santos, Director of Institutional Relations for Mercadona in Portugal, acknowledging that these openings come with challenges.
“[This opening] will bring the natural challenges of an area that combines seasonality with year-round life, which our teams have been eager to tackle. Furthermore, many of our customers in Portugal today see the Algarve as a link to Mercadona, having become familiar with the brand during their trips to Ayamonte over the years,” she explained.
Recruitment Underway
The Algarve arrival will take place in the last quarter of next year, with job openings available starting today.
For these two new stores, Mercadona will hire 200 people. Positions include supermarket operator and maintenance assistant, with training for hired staff beginning in January 2026.
Brand Expansion
Currently present in 12 of Portugal’s 18 districts, the company continues working on entering new regions.
Before the year’s end, Mercadona will arrive for the first time in Lisbon, with the next opening scheduled for October 9 in Matosinhos (on Rua de São Gens). Following this, Loures will see its second store open on October 16, this time in Frielas (near IKEA).
Mercadona will open a new supermarket in Frielas, Loures, on October 16, at 9:00 a.m. on Rua do Bom Jardim, nº 2. The company states that “this new opening represents an important step in reinforcing Mercadona’s presence in the municipality.”
Notícias ao Minuto | 10:37 – 17/09/2025
“The entry into the south of the country consolidates Mercadona’s long-term investment in Portugal, with an expansion plan underway for six years, reflected in over 1.1 billion euros already invested, made possible by the Portuguese team of more than 7,000 permanent employees,” Mercadona said.
For 2025, the company plans an additional investment of 157 million euros in Portugal.
