Find distributors and top retail chains in Spain

Identifying the top retail chains in Spain where you can sell your products is relatively easy. Approaching and convincing them is a much bigger challenge.

It may be a better strategy to find a distributor first who can help you to get your products in smaller chains or individual stores, and then help you to get to the big names. Or to start online.

In this article you will find more information on the retail market and guidance on how to convince retailers and distributors to work with you.

The retail market in Spain

Spain is a vibrant and diverse market where you have good chances of introducing a new product. As of the latest data, Spain has a population of approximately 49 million people (2025). According to the World Bank, Spain’s GDP per capita was about $38,000 in 2025.

Spain Supermarkets and Their Market Share

The Spanish supermarket sector is dominated by several key players. The top five supermarkets are:

Mercadona: With a turnover of €38.8 billion in 2024, Mercadona is a leader in the Spanish supermarket sector.
El Corte Inglés: A well-known department store chain that includes supermarkets, reported a turnover of about €16 billion in 2024.
Carrefour: This French multinational retailer had a turnover of about €11 billion in 2024 in Spain.
DIA: A global supermarket chain with a turnover of €4.7 billion in 2024.
Eroski: A supermarket chain mainly operating in the Basque Country and other regions, Eroski’s turnover was €5.5 billion in 2024.

Each of these supermarkets has a distinct market presence, catering to various consumer needs and preferences.

Spain Leading Drugstores and their Market Share

In the drugstore sector, the three biggest names are:

Farmacias Ahumada, known for a wide range of pharmaceutical and health products.
Farmacias del Ahorro, focusing on affordable healthcare solutions.
Farmacias Guadalajara, offering a mix of pharmaceuticals and general merchandise.

These chains dominate the market, with a significant share in pharmaceutical and health product sales.

Largest Clothing Chains in Spain

The clothing retail sector in Spain is vibrant, with several major chains:

Zara, part of the Inditex group, is the most prominent with numerous outlets across the country.
Mango, known for its trendy and affordable fashion, has a strong presence.
H&M, a global brand, competes strongly in the Spanish market.
Primark, offering budget-friendly fashion, has been expanding its footprint.
El Corte Inglés, a department store chain, includes a wide range of clothing brands.

These chains vary in market share and number of shops, each catering to different fashion segments.

Approaching Retail Chains or Distributors in Spain

When approaching these retail chains or distributors in Spain, it’s important to understand the local business culture. Relationships and trust are key in the Spanish market. Businesses often prefer to work with partners who demonstrate a long-term commitment to the market and an understanding of the local consumer preferences. Additionally, flexibility and adaptability to the Spanish way of doing business, which can include lengthy negotiations and a focus on personal relationships, are crucial for success.

Distributor, retailer or web shop?

Most consumer products need at least one party in between. A distributor imports, stores and physically distributes your product, but rarely promotes it to consumers. A large retailer is the fastest route to the mass market, but is risk averse and often asks a listing fee.

A specialised web shop takes smaller volumes, but gives you reviews, pricing feedback and brand awareness within weeks.

Most exporters combine them: start where the barrier is lowest and use the sales data you gather there to convince the bigger names later.

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Finding a distributor in Spain in three steps

Step 1

Map the channel

List 10 to 15 distributors and retailers that already carry comparable products. Check which regions and store types they serve, and which brands they represent.

Step 2

Build a partner pitch

Your consumer sales deck is not enough. Show margin, rotation, returns and the support they get from you, with concrete figures from your home market.

Step 3

Approach and agree

Contact five to eight of them, propose a trial order or a pilot region, and settle pricing, minimum volumes, exclusivity and marketing support.