In a large retailers' market generally affected by the global downturn, the brands of Mercadona (Valencia) and Lidl (Germany) lead the game by opening nearly 44 supermarkets in the first half of 2010, which account for about half of the new openings in the country in 2010.

Mercadona, with 23 openings, is considered one of the largest investors in Spain. In 2010, it plans to open about 60 new stores, according to Ubifrance.

Lidl, with 21 new stores, has distinguished itself through a presence in the Canary Islands, on which the group was not present.

While these two brands have used their resources to further develop, others tend to greatly expand their network throughout the franchise system (Carrefour, DIA).