New Store Openings in Fuerteventura: A Boost for Local Economy
The Canary Islands are witnessing an exciting development in the retail sector. At the end of July, the Grupo DinoSol inaugurated two new grocery stores on the island of Fuerteventura, marking a significant step in expanding local shopping options. These stores are a result of the group’s recent acquisition of the former Inpescasa supermarkets, previously owned by the well-known local businessman, Domingo de León.
Store Locations and Offerings
The newly opened locations are SuperDino Lajares and SuperDino Virgen de La Peña. Positioned in strategic areas—Calley Coronel González Hierro in La Oliva and Calle Virgen de la Peña in Puerto del Rosario, respectively—these stores are set to serve a diverse customer base. Each store will offer an extensive retail space ranging between 300 and 600 square meters. Shoppers can expect a wide assortment of top-brand goods across all essential grocery sections.
Expanding Grocery Options
With the addition of these two stores, the total number of supermarkets in La Oliva rises to nine, while Puerto del Rosario sees an increase to four. This expansion not only enhances the shopping landscape on the island but also contributes positively to the local community by providing more options for residents and visitors alike.
Commitment to Affordability
The new SuperDino locations promise to maintain the company’s longstanding commitment to reduced pricing. This policy is crucial for the residents of Fuerteventura, an island known for its beauty but also for having a higher cost of living compared to others in the Canary archipelago. The two new stores will play a pivotal role in ensuring basic goods remain accessible to the local population.
Employment Opportunities Generated
In addition to improving shopping convenience, the stores will create job opportunities. SuperDino Lajares and SuperDino Virgen de La Peña will employ 17 and 9 staff members, respectively. This brings the overall workforce of Grupo DinoSol to over 6,500 employees, a noteworthy contribution to the local job market during a time when many communities are still recovering from economic downturns.
Accessibility and Store Hours
For convenience, the new stores will have generous opening hours, operating from Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Puerto del Rosario location will operate with the same hours except for Sundays. This structure aims to cater to the diverse schedules of shoppers in the area.
Historical Background of Grupo DinoSol
Founded in 1978 by the Domínguez brothers, the HiperDino brand has undergone several transformations over the years. In 1996, the chain was purchased by Vista Capital and renamed Superdiplo. The chain eventually came under the ownership of the multinational Dutch company Ahold. However, struggles led to a series of ownership changes, with the company facing substantial debt by 2011.
In a bid to rescue the struggling chain, a group of Canary Island-based investors, led by the Domínguez brothers and investor Javier Puga, acquired the company in 2012. Their efforts have since revitalized the brand, allowing it to flourish across the Canary Islands.
Current Market Challenges
Despite the expansion of SuperDino stores, it’s important to note that shopping costs vary widely across the islands. According to recent studies by the Canary Islands Statistics Institute (Istac), the price level for a basic shopping basket in Lanzarote remains the highest, followed closely by El Hierro and La Gomera. Fuerteventura, while more affordable than Lanzarote, still sees standard prices around 5.70% above the average for the Canary Islands.
Conclusion
The opening of SuperDino Lajares and SuperDino Virgen de La Peña is not just about adding stores; it represents a significant shift towards improving accessibility and affordability for the residents of Fuerteventura. As trading patterns evolve and economic recovery efforts take shape, these new establishments are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of local businesses.
