The Spanish chain of Mercado Supermarkets is preparing to expand its presence in the national territory and has already confirmed the entrance to the Algarve. The company will open two stores in the region and announced the creation of hundreds of jobs. Mercado also ensures that the minimum base wages are set above 1,200 euros, a value that has drawn attention in the distribution sector.
The plan includes new locations and reinforces the bet in Portugal, where the brand entered in 2019. For the Algarve, this expansion was presented as an important milestone after years of requests from clients that associated the insignia with their regular travel to Spain.
The first two Mercado stores in the Algarve will be located in Portimão and Faro. In Portimão, the installation will be done at Nova Vila Retail Park, while in Faro the opening will take place in the Vale da Amoreira zone.
The inaugurations are scheduled for the last quarter of next year and represent the beginning of the presence of the insignia in the southern region. So far, the brand already has more than 60 stores spread across 12 districts of the country.
Recruitment of 200 workers
For these two units, Mercado is recruiting 200 people. The functions range from supermarket operators to maintenance assistants. All new employees will have an effective contract since the first day.
The training process starts in January next year and will be held in brand stores already operating in Portugal. During this period, the company ensures all transportation, stay, food and biweekly travel expenses.
Salaries and conditions announced
Mercado confirmed at the end of last year a salary increase from 8.5% to 2025, setting the base salary at 1,247 euros gross per month, reported the newspaper, Jornal Económico Portuguese. This amount adds to feeding subsidies and supplements applicable to Sundays, holidays and nights.
Employees can also benefit from an annual prize equivalent to an extra salary from the first full year of work. After four years of seniority, this prize can reach two additional salaries. Mercado’s base salaries in the Algarve will follow this same model.
Sustained expansion in new investments
The entrance to the Algarve takes place at the same time as the Spanish chain expected to expand its operation in the Alentejo, with a future opening in Beja. This growth phase is supported by the Logistics Block of Almeirim, recently inaugurated after an investment of 290 million euros.
In total, Mercado has invested more than 1,100 million euros in Portugal since its arrival. The company currently employs about 7,000 people in the country and plans to continue opening stores in various regions, including Lisbon and Porto, over the coming months.
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