Alcampo plans second franchised hypermarket in 2027

Alcampo aims to accelerate its growth in Spain in 2027, with franchising playing a greater role. Chief executive Carlos Pedreira has announced plans to open a second franchised hypermarket next year, as part of a roadmap that also includes company-owned outlets, more neighbourhood stores and refurbishments.

A second hypermarket following the Illescas debut

Pedreira outlined the main priorities at the launch of Alcampo’s Christmas campaign at its La Vaguada headquarters in Madrid. According to a report published by Food Retail & Service on 11 November, he identified franchising as one of the priorities for helping the chain regain momentum in the Spanish market.

“We want to accelerate growth with a strong focus on franchising,” he said. The most concrete announcement for the franchise sector was the planned opening of the brand’s second franchised hypermarket in 2027. The first opened in March 2026 in Illescas, in the province of Toledo.

The next opening will extend this operating model within Alcampo’s largest store format. However, the announcement does not specify the location of the future outlet. It therefore represents a commitment to adding a second franchised unit, rather than the unveiling of a project with a confirmed site and opening date.

Franchising will not be the only route to expansion. Pedreira said the company would open more company-owned outlets, including supermarkets and convenience stores, and continue refurbishing stores to improve customer service.

Franchises account for most planned openings in 2026

The push announced for 2027 follows a financial year in which franchised outlets account for a substantial share of new openings. Alcampo expects to close its 2026 financial year with 26 openings: four company-owned and 22 franchised.

These figures are the company’s year-end forecast, not a final tally. Even with that caveat, the breakdown shows that franchisees account for most of the planned additions, while company-owned stores make up a smaller share of openings.

Meanwhile, the chain expects to complete 40 refurbishments during the financial year, following investment of €55 million. This sum relates to refurbishment work and should not be confused with investment announced for new franchises.

Openings and refurbishments therefore represent two parallel areas of activity: adding outlets and updating the existing network. For those in the franchise sector, it is important to distinguish between the two when assessing the scale of the plan, as a refurbishment does not constitute a new outlet.

More neighbourhood stores and a supermarket in Benalmádena

Alcampo’s strategy extends beyond hypermarkets. Pedreira also announced plans for the chain’s first supermarket in Andalusia, to be located in Benalmádena, in the province of Málaga. He described the store as a “focal point for growth”.

The announcement forms part of the company’s ambition to expand its neighbourhood retail presence. However, it does not explicitly state that the supermarket will be franchised, so it should be distinguished from the specific commitment to open a second franchised hypermarket.

Alongside its physical expansion, Alcampo plans to strengthen its product range to give customers more choice. The mix of store formats, retail upgrades and new outlets forms part of its approach for the coming financial year.

Profitable growth as a priority

Pedreira identified “profitable growth” as the company’s objective. His comments come against a backdrop of recent market share losses linked to the closure of stores acquired from Dia and the departure of franchisees, according to Food Retail & Service.

He was optimistic about the end of 2026, although two crucial months remained before the year was complete. The acceleration announced for 2027 should therefore be viewed as a business forecast, not an outcome already achieved.

Practical takeaway: anyone considering becoming an Alcampo franchisee should distinguish between the store formats announced and request the specific terms for each project. The plan confirms a commitment to franchising, but does not detail the investment or requirements for the future hypermarket.