The real estate sector is once again turning its attention to food retail. According to the latest data from InfoRetail, supermarkets accounted for 9.4% of total investment in 2025, exceeding €250 million.
These figures not only confirm the resilience of the model, but also position this sales format as one of the most stable and attractive in today’s market.
However, investing in supermarkets goes beyond the acquisition of assets; it entails a firm commitment to daily operational management and excellence in the shopping experience. In this environment, every resource present at the point of sale plays a critical role in protecting invested capital.
The shopping trolley: far more than an accessory
Often underestimated, the supermarket trolleys carry significant strategic weight. It represents the customer’s first physical contact with the brand upon crossing the store threshold. An insufficient fleet, poor maintenance or inadequate ergonomics can generate a negative experience from the very start of the shopping journey. For this reason, the quality and technical management of these assets are fundamental pillars of customer loyalty. Given that they represent a considerable budgetary item for retail chains, optimising their control and extending their lifespan is imperative for profitability.
From car park to active security
In reality, the customer experience begins outside the store. A well-structured car park, equipped with designated trolley bays and protective shelters, not only ensures logistical order but also safeguards assets against adverse weather conditions. Sun and rain accelerate material deterioration; organised collection areas convey an image of institutional care and facilitate critical replenishment tasks for staff.
This logistical management is accompanied by an ongoing challenge within the sector: trolley loss and theft. Each missing unit represents a direct cost against profit margins. In response to this reality, the incorporation of intelligent security systems that prevent unauthorised removal from the premises has become a standard solution. These mechanisms protect investment and drastically reduce shrinkage without compromising customer convenience at any point.
Evolution and profitability
If the supermarket continues to consolidate its position as one of the most dynamic assets in retail, it is largely due to its ability to evolve in these operational details. Success depends not solely on location or square metres, but on the efficient operational management of every element influencing the customer experience. Ultimately, high-quality trolleys, well-organised external environments and effective protection systems are essential components that reinforce, day after day, the real value of each point of sale.
