Mercadona, Spain’s largest supermarket chain, is known for its quality products, competitive pricing, and extensive network of physical stores. However, in an era where online shopping has become a necessity rather than a luxury, many customers wonder: Does Mercadona do online shopping?
The short answer is yes, Mercadona does offer online shopping, but with some limitations. This article explores Mercadona’s e-commerce services, their availability, how they work, and how they compare to competitors in Spain and beyond.
1. Introduction to Mercadona
Mercadona is a Spanish supermarket chain founded in 1977. It has over 1,600 stores across Spain and has expanded to Portugal in recent years. The company is renowned for its customer-centric approach, high-quality private-label products, and efficient supply chain.
Despite being a dominant force in physical retail, Mercadona has been reluctant to fully embrace online shopping compared to global retail giants like Amazon, Carrefour, or Tesco. However, recognizing the shift in consumer behavior, the company has gradually expanded its digital offerings.
2. Does Mercadona Have an Online Shopping Platform?
Yes, But It’s Limited
Mercadona offers online shopping through its official website (www.mercadona.es) and a dedicated mobile app. However, online shopping is not yet available nationwide.
Where Is Mercadona Online Shopping Available?
Mercadona’s online shopping service is only available in select regions, mainly in large cities and urban areas. As of 2024, the new online platform (Colmena model) operates in:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Alicante
- Seville
- Málaga
If you live outside these areas, the old online platform may still be available, but it has fewer features, a limited product selection, and an outdated interface.
How to Check Availability
Customers can check if their location is covered by entering their postal code on the Mercadona website or app. If the service isn’t available, customers must shop in-store.
3. How Does Mercadona Online Shopping Work?
Step 1: Creating an Account
Customers must create an account on Mercadona’s website or download the Mercadona app for iOS or Android. The registration process requires:
- Name and contact details
- Email and password
- Delivery address
- Payment method
Step 2: Browsing and Selecting Products
Mercadona’s new online platform offers an improved shopping experience, with:
- High-quality images
- Detailed product descriptions
- Better product categorization
- Enhanced search functions
Customers can browse categories such as fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, cleaning products, and personal care items.
Step 3: Placing an Order
Once the cart is full, customers proceed to checkout. Orders can be scheduled for delivery within the available time slots.
Step 4: Payment
Mercadona accepts:
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay – in some locations)
- No cash on delivery option
Step 5: Delivery
- Orders are delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
- Delivery slots fill up fast, especially in high-demand areas.
- The minimum order amount is €50.
- The delivery fee is €7.21 (fixed rate).
4. Advantages of Mercadona Online Shopping
✔ Convenience
Shopping online eliminates the need to visit a physical store, saving time and effort.
✔ High-Quality Fresh Products
Unlike some competitors, Mercadona prioritizes fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood in its online selection.
✔ User-Friendly Experience (New Platform Only)
The redesigned website and app offer better images, faster browsing, and a smoother checkout process.
✔ Reliable Delivery Service
Orders arrive in refrigerated trucks to maintain freshness. Delivery personnel ensure products arrive in good condition.
✔ Trusted Private Labels
Mercadona’s in-house brands, like Hacendado (food), Bosque Verde (cleaning), and Deliplus (personal care), provide high quality at affordable prices.
5. Disadvantages of Mercadona Online Shopping
✘ Limited Availability
Many areas in Spain still do not have access to Mercadona’s online shopping, making it inconvenient for customers in smaller towns.
✘ Higher Prices Online
Some products may be priced slightly higher online compared to in-store prices.
✘ No Same-Day Delivery
Unlike Carrefour or Amazon Fresh, Mercadona does not offer same-day delivery. Orders take at least 24 hours to arrive.
✘ €50 Minimum Order Requirement
Casual or small grocery shoppers may find the €50 minimum order inconvenient.
✘ No Cash on Delivery
Customers must pay in advance via credit or debit cards.
6. Mercadona Online Shopping vs. Competitors
Mercadona vs. Carrefour
| Feature | Mercadona Online | Carrefour Online |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited cities | Nationwide |
| Minimum Order | €50 | No minimum |
| Delivery Fee | €7.21 | Varies (€4-€9) |
| Same-Day Delivery | No | Yes (in some locations) |
| Product Variety | Mostly Mercadona brands | More international brands |
Verdict: If availability is not an issue, Mercadona is a better choice for fresh food, but Carrefour is more accessible and flexible.
Mercadona vs. Amazon Fresh
| Feature | Mercadona Online | Amazon Fresh |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited cities | Nationwide (Prime members) |
| Minimum Order | €50 | No minimum |
| Delivery Fee | €7.21 | Free for Prime members (€3.99 for others) |
| Same-Day Delivery | No | Yes (in some areas) |
| Product Variety | Mainly Mercadona brands | Wide selection from multiple brands |
Verdict: Amazon Fresh wins on delivery speed and variety, but Mercadona offers better pricing on essential groceries.
7. Future of Mercadona Online Shopping
Mercadona has been slow in expanding its online presence but is investing heavily in e-commerce. Some future plans include:
✔ Expansion to More Cities
Mercadona aims to extend its new online platform to more locations across Spain and Portugal.
✔ Improved Logistics
The company is building new distribution centers (Colmenas) to handle online orders more efficiently.
✔ Faster Delivery
Although same-day delivery is not yet available, Mercadona may introduce faster shipping options in the future.
✔ Enhanced App Features
Mercadona is working on app improvements such as personalized shopping recommendations, AI-powered search, and better customer support.
8. Conclusion: Is Mercadona Online Shopping Worth It?
Yes, Mercadona’s online shopping service is a great option for customers in supported areas. It offers a user-friendly experience, reliable delivery, and high-quality products. However, its limited availability, minimum order requirements, and lack of same-day delivery make it less competitive compared to Carrefour or Amazon Fresh.
If you live in Madrid, Barcelona, or other major cities, Mercadona’s online store is worth trying. Otherwise, you may need to explore alternatives until it expands further.
