Jerónimo Martins expands to Slovakia with plans to open 50 stores by 2026

Portuguese supermarkets giant Jerónimo Martins has expanded its Biedronka brand to Slovakia with plans to open 50 stores by 2026.

The first Biedronka has already opened close to the capital Bratislava and before the end of this month the food distribution company plans to open a further five stores under the ladybird insignia.

“Right now our plan is to open at least 50 stores by the end of 2026”, said the CEO of Biedronka Slovakia, Maciej Lukowski in an interview with the Lusa news agency adding that the expansion will be adjusted according to how the market reacts.

Apart from Portugal where it has the Pingo Doce chain of supermarkets, cash and carry Recheio, Hussel chocolatiers, Jeronymo cafés and Hebe beauty shops, Jerónimo Martins also has 3,000 Biedronka supermarkets in Poland and the supermarket chain Ara in Colombia with 1,300 stores.

“We’ll start off with different shop concepts and later we’ll see which concept works the best and adjust our expansion”, he said.

“Obviously, today is the beginning of the journey, and we need to learn about the Slovakian consumer. We know that we’ll have to make some adjustments,” he added, saying that the initial move would employ around 300 employees.

The expansion will also mark the first new supermarket chain in Slovakia in 20 years. “Today is a happy day for Jerónimo Martins because we’re moving into a country that’s new for us with our Biedronka brand which has been in the market for 30 years.”

Maciej Lukowski concluded by saying that they could make a positive difference in Slovakia and were committed to working in close collaboration with Slovak suppliers to provide the “best possible offer at the lowest prices for consumers and families”.