Mercadona opens 'Tienda 9' in Sant Llorenç: More freshness, a rest bench and energy savings

Mercadona opens 'Tienda 9' in Sant Llorenç: More freshness, a rest bench and energy savings

In the morning, when scooters hum past Avenida Des Bon Temps and the air already smells like summer, a supermarket has opened in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar that aims to be different from the usual branches. Mercadona has opened its first Mallorcan version of the so-called 'Tienda 9' concept at Avda Des Bon Temps 5. Anyone who walks in notices immediately: it's about freshness, shorter walking distances for staff and a little more pause time for customers.

What you see and what's inside

The sales area was fundamentally rebuilt. The focal point is a so-called Obrador Central — a compact area where cutting, cooking and packing come together in one place. This allows many fresh products to be prepared on site instead of being delivered from the central warehouse. For shoppers this often means shorter distances to fruit, vegetables, baked goods and the deli counter; for teams it means less running back and forth between aisles.

Technically, the store relies on measures that save energy and keep the store temperature more consistent. The refrigerated display cases are equipped with aerofoil systems designed to prevent cold air from spilling into the aisles. Carbon dioxide refrigeration is used — a detail that is particularly relevant for operators because it can improve the climate footprint. Mechanical rooms and systems have also been modernized so the equipment runs more reliably for longer and consumes less energy.

More comfort for people, less stress for teams

A visible sign of 'shopping together' is the rest area for customers. Not only young parents with prams or older people will appreciate it; on a hot day a bench to take a breather is worth its weight in gold. Practical: the store offers 283 parking spaces, including eight spaces for electric vehicles and 16 bike racks, which makes shopping by car or bike easier. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 21:30.

Briefly noted — numbers and craftsmanship

The renovation was not a small project: more than three million euros were invested in the redesign, and according to the company 66 construction firms were involved in the work. Such investments are remarkable because they show that retail is not just doing a one-off makeover here, but planning for the long term.

Why this is good for Mallorca

For the island this brings several practical benefits: fresher products prepared locally, fewer transport routes for finished goods and an offer that is more closely oriented to the daily needs of residents. The use of energy-saving technology can also help reduce the store's electricity bill and CO₂ emissions — a small, concrete step toward more sustainable infrastructure.

On the street in front of the store people sit on a bench, chat briefly and think about what to put on the table. Such moments show that a supermarket is more than shelves and checkouts: it is a place in the neighborhood. If the rest bench and the fresh baked goods encourage people to shop locally rather than driving to Palma, that has positive effects on traffic and the community, similar to the city's redevelopment of Plaça del Mercat and Calle Unió.

Put simply: the new branch is not a big promise, but a pragmatic approach. It brings fresh offerings, plans energy-efficiently and provides space for small pauses — things that are quickly appreciated in everyday life.

If other stores follow this example, small changes in technology and processes could become noticeable: less food transport, calmer shopping experiences and a little more room to breathe during the daily shopping rush.