The company was founded in 1969 in the regions of Biscay and Gipuzkoa in Spain as a co-operative between ten supermarkets in the region. Its headquarters are located in Elorrio, Biscay.
Franchises
Aliprox supermarkets are not owned by Eroski, despite having a similar logo. Instead, Aliprox is the brand for franchises. These outlets are independently owned, but still maintain the same product ranges, sales policies and general standard expected throughout the company. There are presently 553 franchised outlets.
Finances
As of mid-2016, Eroski's operating income is 45% higher than in the first semester of the 2015 and kept improving up to 54 million Euros
Eroski has 442 new generation shops, 23 hypermarkets and 419 supermarkets, growing by 7% in sales on average
Turnover keeps stable at 2,965 million Euros
Investments reach 45 million Euros, mainly aimed at shop refurbishment and information systems
It reduced its financial debt by 169 million Euros during the first six months of the year
Between February and July this year, EROSKI generated 625 new jobs in its owned and franchised shops
The parent cooperative EROSKI S. Coop. reached a profit of 8.8 million Euros
Nearly 7,000 new positions have been created in the last four years.
Growth
Brand
These names replace the former hierarchy of 'Eroski', 'Maxi', 'Consum' and 'Charter', the latter of which was the name reserved for smaller franchise stores. This rebranding took place during the course of 2003-2004 in an effort to re-focus the company as the many different names confused customers. Indeed, regardless of the name over the door, customers inevitably referred to the shops as 'Eroski', not Maxi or Charter. Under the new name, consumers are referring to the company correctly.
Having taken a strong grip over the Spanish mainland, especially in the Basque Country from where the company originates. It is now expanding into France. They have three hypermarkets, eighteen supermarkets and seven petrol stations in the country at this time. Alongside this, they also own the Forum Sportstore chain, 172 perfume shops and six cash and carry outlets. A merger with the Valencia-based co-operative Consum lasted only a few years. In 2005, each went their own way. Figures correct as of July 2005.