Is Walmart in Spain? 5 Stores Like Walmart in Spain
Do they have Walmart in Spain? In this post, we’ll answer that question and suggest the best Spanish equivalents!
Most likely, you’re here because you looked up, “Is there a Walmart in Spain?” or “Stores like Walmart in Spain.”
And, I totally understand. Having lived in Spain, gone on road trips, and traveled around the country for weeks at a time, I understand the need for one-stop shopping where you can find every consumer good under one roof.
So, do they have Walmarts in Spain? The quick answer is no. There are no Walmart locations in Spain.
But, there are several Spanish and European hypermarkets, supermarkets, and discount stores like Walmart. I’ve shopped in all of these.
I’ll explain the difference and introduce you to 5 of the best stores like Walmart in Spain in this article!
Does Spain have Walmart?
Unfortunately—or fortunately, depending on your perspective—there is no Walmart in Spain.
However, there are several big box retailers similar to Walmart in Spain. These are called hypermarkets (hipermercados).
Hypermarkets are situated on the outskirts of cities and towns. They are sometimes even attached to shopping malls. Usually, they have large parking lots for cars as well.
In them, you can find a combination of groceries, clothing, office supplies, electronics, sporting goods, and other retail items just like at Walmart (or Super Target).
Inside Spanish cities and towns, you’ll find a combination of smaller supermarkets (supermercados) and discount stores (tiendas de descuento). On the up side, these both have a good selection of products, even if not as extensive as at a Walmart-type store.
5 Stores Like Walmart in Spain
Between the hypermarkets, supermarkets, and discount stores, you should be able to find just about anything you would buy at Walmart in the United States or Canada.
Look for these 5 stores since you won’t find any Walmarts in Spain! Here’s all the information you need:
1. Carrefour
Carrefour is the most well-known hypermarket chain in Spain. And, it’s the closest thing you’ll get to a Walmart in Spain in terms of size, products, and variety.
Originally from France, it’s often dubbed “the French Walmart.” But, there are plenty of them in Spain—about 1,250 of them, in fact!
Carrefour sells groceries along with paper goods, consumer electronics, sporting equipment, clothing, personal care items, cleaning supplies, and anything else you can imagine.
Not all Carrefours are large, big box stores, though. There are several smaller versions you’ll see in the cities in addition to the large Carrefour hypermarkets: Carrefour Market and Carrefour Express.
2. Mercadona
Mercadona is one of the largest supermarket chains with over 1600 locations throughout Spain.
The supermarket supplies the basics for: eating, drinking, personal care, supplies for caring for the home, and pet care.
When I lived in Spain, I lived about a block from Mercadona, and I literally shopped there every day! I can attest to the fact that it has all the basics for a good price.
Although the variety and quantity of goods aren’t as extensive as Walmart, you could say it’s similar to Walmart. Why? Because it’s a big retailer, stocks all the basics, and offers some of the best prices.
3. Lidl
This German-owned discount market has become one of the largest grocery chains in Spain. Currently, Lidl operates 650 stores in the country, and they’re continuing to expand.
The good news is that, like Walmart, Lidl is one of the cheapest stores. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a wide selection of items.
What they lack in variety, they make up for in quality. You can trust Lidl and get what you need for cooking your own meals—something I almost always do when I’m traveling for longer periods of time.
As for home goods, clothing, and the like, Lidl has a rotating selection of seasonal items at excellent prices.
4. Alcampo
Alcampo is a big box store similar to Walmart.
The first Alcampo hypermarkets were introduced in Zaragoza in 1981 and in Madrid in 1982. In other words, this chain store has been around for a while and isn’t going anywhere!
The store is a good place to grab groceries and everything else you need at reasonable prices. Even better, some of them have gas stations. This is undoubtedly good to know if you’re going on a road trip in Spain any time soon.
In addition to Alcampo Hiper, you’ll also find smaller market versions: Alcampo Super, Mi Alcampo, and Alcampo City.
There are about 300 Alcampos in Spain.
5. El Corte Inglés
People often compare El Corte Inglés and Walmart. Certainly, there are some similarities. For example, with over 1,000 stores in Spain, shopping at El Corte Inglés is incredibly convenient.
However, El Corte Inglés is a department store rather than a hypermarket. Accordingly, they have housewares, apparel, jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, furniture, appliances, etc.—at department store prices. (It’s similar to a Macy’s but with a more expansive inventory.)
As for groceries, there is typically an upscale Supermercado El Corte Inglés located inside. The prices are higher than other supermarkets.
El Corte Inglés also owns Hipercor and Supercor markets. Keep your eye out for those, too!
Walmart in Spain: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walmart in Spain called?
The closest Spanish alternative to Walmart? It’s the larger French-owned Carrefour hipermercado. With so much on offer, it’ll be your go-to shop if you’re an expat living in Spain, traveling for an extended period, or on a budget.
If you’re looking for a Spanish-owned equivalent, the answer is AlCampo.
Do Walmart and Target have any stores in Spain?
No, Walmart and Target are not in Spain.
What is a store in Spain equivalent to Walmart or Target?
Carrerfour is comparable to Walmart or Target in Spain. AlCampo is also an similar store to Walmart and Target.
Are there any stores like Walmart and Target in Barcelona?
There are no Walmarts and Targets in Barcelona. But, if you’re looking for stores that sell everything from food to clothes to electronics, you can head to El Corte Inglés or Carrefour. Caprabo is also a good choice.
Is there a Walmart or Target-like store in Madrid?
Madrid has both Carrefour and AlCampo hypermarkets that are similar to a Walmart or Target. There is also Hipercor, which is owned by El Corte Inglés.
Is Walmart in Europe?
No, Walmart is not in Europe.
Why are there no Walmarts in Europe?
There are no Walmarts in Europe for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, factors such as culture, regulations, competition, and lack of resources make it difficult for Walmart to operate its business model in Europe.
Is Walmart in France?
No, Walmart does not have stores in France. French retailer Carrefour is often called the “French version of Walmart” and has a comparable inventory.
Can Walmart ship to Spain?
No, Walmart does not ship to Spain.
So, there’s no Walmart in Spain!
Although there aren’t any Walmarts in Spain, there are several big box-style stores that are just as good—if not better!
Next time you’re in Spain and in need of a big-box retailer, try shopping at one of Spain’s stores like Walmart.
More Info on Spain
Planning a trip to Spain? Here are some more articles to help you figure out what to do while you’re there.
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