H-E-B, the lone American conventional supermarket chain in Mexico, is continuing its advancement into that country. The company is preparing to reach a new milestone by opening its 50th store there.
H-E-B ventured into Mexico more than 15 years ago and has since developed a large operation there. Elke González, H-E-B Mexico Public Relations Manager, said that the company will open its 50th store in Mexico this year and will employ more than 8,900 people, according to elgolfo.info.
Aside from the stores, there are two distribution centers in Mexico and a sales volume of $1.2 billion, according to Global Retail Brands.
Distance may have played a role in why H-E-B made the move across the border. There is more distance between its headquarters in San Antonio and Dallas than there is between its headquarters and Monterrey, Mexico, where a large store presence has been established.
Other factors contributing to the move might include Mexico’s growing middle class and lack of competition from other conventional supermarkets.
Will more stores make the move into Mexico? We’ll have to wait and see.
