Bara, Femsa's hard discount chain, is strengthening its presence in Monterrey and the metropolitan area by planning to open between nine and 10 stores in Nuevo León by the end of 2025. It already operates three units and will add at least five more this year. The model aims to provide low prices and a close experience to local families.
Bara, Femsa's hard discount format, opened its first store in Nuevo León in October and now plans to end 2025 with between nine and 10 units in the state. The expansion focuses on Monterrey and the metropolitan area, with new openings in San Nicolás, García, Apodaca, and Escobedo.
Currently, the chain operates three stores: the initial one in Monterrey, another in El Jaral, and one more in Apodaca. Between November and December, it will open at least five additional ones, including Santa Cecilia. To support this growth, Bara installed a distribution center (CEDIS) in Guadalupe with capacity for 4,500 positions, which will expand as the network grows.
“We want to bring well-being through the pantry to Mexican families, with a warm, simple, and competitive experience,” said Gustavo García, Operations Director of Bara, in an interview with El Financiero. The hard discount model emphasizes proximity stores with very low prices, ultra-efficient operations, limited assortment, focus on private labels, and neighborhood locations for quick and economical purchases.
The private label currently represents 25% of the assortment, with plans to reach 40 or 50% in coming years; in other countries, it exceeds 80%, according to García. “We want it to reach 40 or 50% of the offer over the years; in other countries, hard discounts exceed even 80 percent,” he noted. Stores are small, with wide aisles, precise logistics, and direct box displays to reduce costs. They also include recycling programs and energy efficiency, tested in other states where it has operated for 27 years.
Each branch employs between six and seven people, mostly women and local neighbors, reinforcing the community focus. The expansion will gain more traction in 2026.