In Mexico's top three retail markets, anchor stores stand out as true titans, wielding significant influence in the sector. Liverpool, Cinepolis, Sears, Walmart and Soriana lead the scene, collectively occupying over 1.5 million square meters, representing 63% of the total anchor store area in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Among these titans, Liverpool stands out, covering over 550,000 square meters, equivalent to 23% of the gross leasable area (GLA) of anchor stores in the mentioned markets.

These figures underscore the importance of department and self-service stores and cinemas in the retail sector, as they have become reference points for consumers, benefiting other businesses and increasing overall customer flow in malls. In fact, according to SiiLA, 93% of anchor stores in Mexico's major retail markets consist of department stores, self-service stores, and cinemas.

Anchor stores are large establishments that exert a powerful magnetism on customers, drawing them to shopping centers or retail areas. In the leading real estate submarkets in the country, these stores account for 42% of the existing space.
Typically, these establishments are located at the ends or in the most visible external parts of plazas or commercial areas to generate a constant flow of consumers. As people move between anchor stores, they explore the rest of the retail businesses. Since anchor stores are usually well-known and popular brands in the market and essential for attracting people, they are necessary for shopping centers' success and economic viability.

Retail Titans in Mexico

Five companies stand out in the anchor store sector. With a presence in over 130 shopping centers in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, most of these businesses are of Mexican origin and have seen their investments grow due to their ability to leverage e-commerce, new technologies, and home deliveries, keeping them at the forefront of the industry.

1.- Liverpool: Founded in Mexico in 1847, this department store company has over 1.7 million square meters of retail space distributed among 124 establishments in 88 cities nationwide. Its anchor stores dominate 24 shopping centers in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, with over half a million GLA. One of its largest stores is the one at Galerias Monterrey, covering almost 60,000 square meters.

2.- Cinepolis: Originating from Morelia, Michoacan, this entertainment company dates back to 1971. As a leader in the film industry, it operates 820 cinemas in 17 countries, making it the fourth-largest cinema chain globally. Also, Cinepolis has over 285,000 square meters distributed across 59 shopping centers, making it the second most prominent anchor store in the main retail markets. Its most extensive facilities are in Plaza Satelite and Mitikah in Mexico City, as well as in Galerias Monterrey, each covering around 12,000 square meters.

3.- Sears: Founded in the United States in 1886, this retail chain passed into the hands of Grupo Carso in 1997 when Carlos Slim Helu's conglomerate acquired 85% of Sears Mexico's shares. Currently, the company has 65 stores nationwide. In Mexico City's malls, Sears is the second most important anchor store (by GLA) after Liverpool, occupying over 203,000 square meters.

4.- Walmart: Sam Walton created this company in the United States in 1962. Currently, the company operates 3,775 stores in Mexico and Central America, making it one of the most significant self-service chains in the world. In the country's leading shopping centers, Walmart has at least 27 stores covering over 237,000 square meters. One of its most important properties (by GLA) is Espacio Esmeralda in Mexico City, covering nearly 17,400 square meters.

5.- Soriana: Although its history dates back to the early 20th century, this Mexican company was officially founded in 1968 in Torreon, Coahuila. Soriana operates over 802 self-service and price club stores, as well as 14 distribution centers in various parts of Mexico. With a strong presence in the country's Northern region, this supermarket chain occupies around 190,000 square meters in 23 shopping centers in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Liverpool, Cinepolis, Sears, Walmart, Soriana, and other significant chains, play a crucial role in driving retail trade in Mexico. Their dominant presence and continuous growth reflect the potential and importance of the retail sector, which remains a key pillar in the country's economy. For more information on this and other productive sectors, explore SiiLA REsource or contact us at contacto@siila.com.mx.