zmaj88, alphaspirit.it, IGphotography de Getty Images Signature Happiness arrives in Spain: A new shopping center will soon open its doors
The upcoming opening of a large shopping center marks a new step in the evolution of the retail sector in the country
The commercial landscape of our country keeps transforming at a rapid pace. While some well-known spaces are closing their doors, new ones are beginning to take shape. Consumers, caught between nostalgia and expectation, watch these changes closely.
One of the most talked-about moves comes from one of the country's most iconic brands. El Corte Inglés has confirmed that it will open a new shopping center in the heart of Bilbao. It will be an establishment with its own identity that will set a new course for the company.
A new concept on the Gran Vía of Bilbao
The new shopping center will be located in a privileged spot: the Gran Vía of Bilbao. It occupies the space that previously housed a well-known Renault dealership and will be transformed into a modern 26,910 sq. ft. (2,500 square meters) space. It is expected to open its doors before Christmas 2025, according to Deia.
This new project will represent a determined commitment to a more complete shopping experience. El Corte Inglés's supermarket will be presented at street level, with a carefully designed visual layout and a high-quality product offering. Additionally, it will feature special sections like the Gourmet Club and a gastronomic area designed for enjoyment beyond shopping.
The opening of the new shopping center not only responds to a commercial need but also shows a clear strategic intention. With this more experiential model, El Corte Inglés seeks to strengthen its presence in key locations. The goal is to adapt to new consumer behavior and compete with more modern and agile formats.
El Corte Inglés's change of strategy
This new supermarket in Bilbao will be the first of its kind in northern Spain. Although similar versions already exist in cities like Madrid, Marbella, or Barcelona, the novelty lies in its installation in a central urban area open to the general public. It is a clear evolution from the traditional department stores.
The group has also begun to part with centers that no longer fit its future vision. Some spaces in Madrid, such as those in Méndez Álvaro or Parquesur, have ceased to operate under its brand. Simultaneously, it has sold 47 Supercor supermarkets to Carrefour, thus betting on consolidating its brand in a more select format.
Meanwhile, El Corte Inglés is not just closing or selling but is renewing key spaces. Shopping centers like those in Castellana or Preciados have been modernized to offer a shopping experience that prioritizes design, gastronomy, and exclusivity. The group focuses on competing not only with other physical stores but also with online retail giants.
With this new opening in Bilbao, El Corte Inglés shows its ability to reinvent itself. The transformation is already underway and promises to redefine how Spanish consumers experience their shopping.
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