Alcampo, one of Spain's leading supermarket chains, has announced a significant restructuring plan that will see the closure of up to 25 stores across the country and the layoff of 710 employees, representing approximately 3% of its workforce of 23,300 people. This decision, revealed on May 8, 2025, is part of a broader effort to adapt to changing consumer preferences and improve the company's operational efficiency.
The closures primarily affect stores acquired from the DIA chain in 2023. According to Alcampo, many of these locations did not fit their business model, were poorly located, or had excessive operational costs. The company stated that "in this transformation journey, it is essential to recover results and ensure sustainable growth in each of our stores." This restructuring is seen as a necessary, albeit difficult, step towards achieving these goals.
Among the specific locations impacted are hypermarkets in Alcorcón, La Vega, and Majadahonda, all situated in the Community of Madrid. Additionally, supermarkets across various regions, including Castilla y León, Aragón, and Andalucía, will also face adjustments. The most affected areas include Castilla y León, with 44 establishments, followed closely by the Community of Madrid, which will see 37 stores impacted, and Aragón, with 36 supermarkets on the list.
Alcampo's announcement comes as the company grapples with a 1% decline in sales for the 2024 fiscal year, totaling €5.004 billion. The firm operates 526 centers in Spain, comprising 80 hypermarkets and 446 supermarkets, of which 130 are franchised.
In a statement, Alcampo emphasized its commitment to evolving its business model to meet new consumer trends, which increasingly favor smaller, more convenient shopping formats. As part of this strategy, the company plans to reduce the size of 15 of its hypermarkets and modernize over 60 stores, enhancing the shopping experience for customers.
CCOO, the labor union representing affected employees, confirmed that the company has provided a list of centers slated for closure but has not detailed which specific supermarkets will shut down. The union has expressed concern over the scale of the layoffs and is prioritizing job security, stating that their goal is to ensure that any job losses occur under the best possible conditions.
"The next step in this process initiated by Alcampo's management is to establish a negotiating table for the collective dismissal," CCOO stated. They underscored the importance of transparency in the negotiations and the company's obligation to provide all necessary documentation to facilitate discussions.
Alcampo's restructuring plan is not only about closing stores but also about embracing a future-oriented approach. The company has launched a logistics platform aimed at improving operational efficiency and has entered into a long-term agreement for renewable energy supply, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability.
This transformation strategy is a response to the evolving landscape of retail, where consumers increasingly prefer a seamless shopping experience that integrates online and offline channels. Alcampo aims to remain competitive by investing in modernizing its stores and enhancing its online presence.
As the company moves forward, it faces the challenge of balancing operational adjustments with the needs and concerns of its workforce. The outcome of the negotiations with CCOO will be crucial in determining how smoothly the transition unfolds for both the employees and the company.
In summary, Alcampo's decision to close 25 supermarkets and lay off 710 employees highlights the significant shifts occurring within the retail sector. With consumer habits changing rapidly and a growing trend towards digital shopping, the company is taking steps to ensure its long-term viability and competitiveness while navigating the complexities of workforce adjustments.
