Mercadona could soon become a hostel service, and I'm convinced
Spain's Mercadona plans to turn its supermarkets into hostels with bunk beds at €300/month. A look at the Asian model and the housing debate.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Mercadona, the next hostel giant?
Amid Spain's housing crisis, an idea that once seemed like science fiction is starting to take shape: Mercadona extending its empire into accommodation. It's no joke: in some Asian markets it's already a reality, and the numbers make you think. A capsule-hotel-style niche at 300 euros a month could be the next step for Juan Roig's chain.
From the shopping basket to the bunk bed
Mercadona has already added dining areas and vending machines in some stores, trinc the model of Japanese supermarkets like FamilyMart. The idea of adding bunks to sleep in isn't far-fetched: in Hong Kong, "cage homes" have been a reality for decades, and a capsule could cost around 300 euros a month, well below average rent in cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
Business or dystopia?
While some see a business opportunity and an answer to the housing problem, others call it "Black Mirror". The criticism is that it would be one more step in the privatisation of basic needs, where a supermarket controls everything from food to rest. However, the legality of including accommodation services in a supermarket is in question, and it would require regulatory changes.
The Asian precedent
In Japan, konbini (convenience stores) already offer microwaves, seating and even laundry services. In Spain, Carrefour has had dining areas for years. The novelty would be accommodation, but the leap isn't as big as it seems.
The open question is whether Juan Roig will dare to take the step. Meanwhile, speculation and dark humour reflect a real concern: housing is so unaffordable that even a supermarket seems like an option. The figure: 300 euros a month for a capsule. Will it be enough to wake people up, or to confirm the dystopia?
Related discussions in the forum
Amid Spain's housing crisis, an idea that once seemed like science fiction is starting to take shape: Mercadona extending its empire into accommodation. It's no joke: in some Asian markets it's already a reality, and the numbers make you think. A capsule-hotel-style niche at 300 euros a month could be the next step for Juan Roig's chain.
From the shopping basket to the bunk bed
Mercadona has already added dining areas and vending machines in some stores, trinc the model of Japanese supermarkets like FamilyMart. The idea of adding bunks to sleep in isn't far-fetched: in Hong Kong, "cage homes" have been a reality for decades, and a capsule could cost around 300 euros a month, well below average rent in cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
Business or dystopia?
While some see a business opportunity and an answer to the housing problem, others call it "Black Mirror". The criticism is that it would be one more step in the privatisation of basic needs, where a supermarket controls everything from food to rest. However, the legality of including accommodation services in a supermarket is in question, and it would require regulatory changes.
The Asian precedent
In Japan, konbini (convenience stores) already offer microwaves, seating and even laundry services. In Spain, Carrefour has had dining areas for years. The novelty would be accommodation, but the leap isn't as big as it seems.
The open question is whether Juan Roig will dare to take the step. Meanwhile, speculation and dark humour reflect a real concern: housing is so unaffordable that even a supermarket seems like an option. The figure: 300 euros a month for a capsule. Will it be enough to wake people up, or to confirm the dystopia?
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (74 replies).
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