Colombia · RETAIL
Key Facts
- —What happened Grupo Éxito will invest over US$14 million in 2026 to renovate Caribbean coast stores.
- —How big a jump The plan adds or modernises 12,049 square metres of sales space across the region.
- —The catch The investment only covers coastal stores, while a separate US$183 million plan targets 150 underperforming outlets.
- —Who it touches Shoppers in Barranquilla, Cartagena and Santa Marta will see refreshed Éxito and Carulla stores.
- —What comes next No completion date has been disclosed for the Caribbean renovation plan.
The move comes as Grupo Éxito, now under Salvadoran control, focuses on premium formats and coastal growth.
Grupo Éxito will invest more than 42,700 million pesos, about US$14 million, in 2026 to renovate and reconvert stores on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The plan, reported on 21 August 2026, covers new and modernised sales areas totalling 12,049 square metres.
What Grupo Éxito Is Spending on the Coast
Grupo Éxito announced a major spending push for its Caribbean operations. The company will allocate over 42,700 million pesos, about US$14 million, during 2026.
This investment targets renovating and reconverting stores across the coastal region. In addition, it includes brand transformations in several Caribbean departments.
Flagship Brands Éxito and Carulla
The transformation centres on two flagship brands: Éxito and Carulla. Meanwhile, Surtimax, Super Inter and Surtimayorista stores are being reconverted into these formats.
Existing Éxito outlets are also part of the renewal. For example, Éxito San Francisco is being updated under the same plan.
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Sales Area Expansion
The plan adds or modernises 12,049 square metres of sales space. This is a significant boost for the Caribbean coast, which includes Barranquilla, Cartagena and Santa Marta.
Therefore, shoppers can expect a refreshed experience.
National Strategy Context
This Caribbean plan is separate from a wider national strategy. That strategy covers about 40 Surtimax, Super Inter and Surtimayorista stores converted during 2024.
The national rollout spans two to three years. Moreover, another separate plan targets roughly 150 underperforming stores.
Premium Conversion Push
The second national plan focuses on converting underperforming stores into premium formats. Most of these will become Carulla, the group’s premium supermarket brand.
This conversion will cost about 560 billion pesos, roughly US$183 million, and take three to four years. It starts in Bogotá and Medellín, according to the company.
Ownership Change
Grupo Éxito is now controlled by Salvadoran Grupo Calleja. This followed the sale of a 34% stake by Casino and GPA on 26 January 2024.
The deal was worth about 400 million euros. As a result, Grupo Éxito has a new strategic direction.
Brand Portfolio
Carulla serves as the group’s premium supermarket brand. By contrast, Surtimax and Super Inter are discount formats.
Surtimayorista operates as a cash and carry wholesaler. In short, the brand mix covers different market segments.
Coastal Focus
The Caribbean coast is a key region for Grupo Éxito. Major cities like Barranquilla, Cartagena and Santa Marta are included.
This investment aims to strengthen its presence there. Overall, the company is betting on coastal growth.
What Comes Next for Grupo Éxito
With this investment, Grupo Éxito is modernising its Caribbean footprint. The company has not disclosed a completion date for this specific plan.
Still, the commitment is clear. Grupo Éxito is prioritising customer experience and brand consistency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grupo Éxito’s Caribbean investment for 2026?
Grupo Éxito will spend more than 42,700 million pesos, about US$14 million, in 2026. The money goes to renovating and reconverting stores on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Which brands are involved in the Caribbean transformation?
The plan focuses on Éxito and Carulla as the two flagship brands. Surtimax, Super Inter and Surtimayorista stores are being reconverted into these formats.
Who controls Grupo Éxito now?
Grupo Éxito is controlled by Salvadoran Grupo Calleja. This happened after Casino and GPA sold their 34% stake in January 2024 for about 400 million euros.
What is Carulla’s role in the company?
Carulla is Grupo Éxito’s premium supermarket brand. It is also the main format for converting underperforming stores in a separate national plan.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Colombian business press; Grupo Éxito.
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