Mercadona is reopening today the supermarket located in Tavernes Blanques (Valencia), specifically at 39, Avenida Corts Valencianes, following comprehensive renovations to adapt it to the company’s new Efficient Store Model and reduce energy consumption by up to 40%. This project has involved an investment of approximately 2.8 million euros and the participation of 35 suppliers, who have employed more than 250 people during the project.

Additionally, as part of Mercadona’s commitment to those areas in which it has a presence and operates, and especially in the municipality where the company has its headquarters and where it has lived alongside its residents for over 40 years, the company has built for their enjoyment a new pedestrian space equipped with green areas. The execution of this new area, called Plaça d’Espanya, is located in front of the new supermarket opened today, and also represents a total investment of 3 million euros. 25 suppliers who have employed more than 170 people have contributed to the works undertaken in this plaza, measuring approximately 1,700 square metres.

After the completion of this project started in May 2018, Mercadona transferred the developed site to Tavernes Blanques City Council. The site includes Babylon-style hanging gardens (providing savings in water consumption), improvements in electrical facilities and LED lighting, and walking areas and street furniture.

According to José Saurí, area director of Construction at Mercadona, “the transfer of this new, greener, pedestrian and accessible space to the town of Tavernes Blanques reflects Mercadona’s commitment to citizens living in the area, with whom it has been neighbours for over 40 years. The company has always been committed to its development, so participating in the execution of this project from its beginning to completion is a responsibility that we have proudly taken on. It is a way of sharing with society what society has given to us.”

The Mayoress of Tavernes Blanques, Mari Carmen Marco, states that “the regeneration of this area means that the residents of the municipality can enjoy a new area and benefit from its urban quality.” She also adds that “we would like to thank Mercadona and the Roig Herrero family for this donation, and above all for their ongoing regard for Tavernes Blanques as their home, because we continue to be proud of the fact that they promote the name of our town wherever they build their supermarkets and that they offer a lifelong project to all those employees who are part of the great Mercadona family”.

Specifications of the new Efficient Store Model

The Tavernes Blanques supermarket, which Mercadona has adapted to its new Efficient Store Model, has a workforce of 53 employees with stable, quality employment. With these new developments, the company has managed to strengthen excellence in the service by optimizing the shopping activity of its “bosses” (customers) and, at the same time, incorporating improvements that also benefit both workers, suppliers and society.

All sections of this new supermarket have new features. For example, the store has a new “Ready to Eat” section with a total of 35 different dishes, some of them customisable, like salads, pizzas or pastas, which effectively doubles the available selection. All these options are served in containers made from natural materials, such as sugar cane (compostable material), cardboard or paper.

In addition, and amongst other improvements, the Tavernes Blanques supermarket has a new double glazed entrance that prevents drafts, provides wider aisles, a resting area with chairs and tables where “bosses” (customers) can consume freshly prepared dishes and enjoy a cold drink or hot coffee, and a new model of shopping trolley and basket-type cart which is lighter and more ergonomic.

This new supermarket expands the surface of the sales room, from 1,300 to 1,800 square metres, and has a completely renovated design compared to the previous store model with new colours and materials, both on the supermarket entrance exterior facade and in the distribution of the different sections. Similarly, it is committed to wide open spaces that facilitate the entry of natural light and warm colours across different environments.

Technology and ergonomics for Mercadona workers

Additionally, in order to facilitate the daily tasks of its employees, this new supermarket includes multiple measures to improve ergonomics and eliminate overexertion. For example, the cash register furniture at Mercadona has been developed through collaboration with the Valencia Institute of Biomechanics. The store also has common areas for employees to enjoy greater comfort during breaks, as well as a more equipped dining room and more spacious and comfortable personal lockers.

Furthermore, this new Mercadona Efficient Store is completely technologically connected. A series of electronic devices and collaborative tools are included for workers, enabling them to share information from any section of the store. This facilitates the self-management of each supermarket and speeds up the processes of the entire chain. Amongst the devices, there are the line of cash registers, scales or the use of tablets that replace paper for administrative management. All this optimises processes and enables the management of the store in real time, facilitating decision making and contributing to greater agility, especially in the management of fresh products. 

Plaça d’Espanya and the Mercadona store facade in Tavernes Blanques, Valencia.

Plaça d’Espanya, Tavernes Blanques, Valencia.

Mercadona store facade and Plaça d’Espanya in Tavernes Blanques, Valencia.

Mercadona store facade in Tavernes Blanques, Valencia.