Cencosud has outlined plans to invest $600m in 2026 as it looks to expand its retail ecosystem and support growth across its operating markets.
During the year, the Chilean retail group aims to launch 20 new stores across different formats, adding more than 42,000m² of sales area.
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This programme will comprise 17 supermarkets, including seven The Fresh Market stores in the US.
Cencosud presented its global business outlook and 2026 Investment Plan to the financial market, setting out expectations for consolidated revenues of $18.41bn and adjusted EBITDA of $1.81bn for the year.
The company said it anticipates double-digit margins in Chile, Peru and the US, underpinned by operational enhancements and continued expansion across its portfolio.
Cencosud CEO Rodrigo Larrain said: “These investments will allow us to accelerate our organic growth, continue strengthening the customer experience, and further consolidate Cencosud’s value proposition in each of the markets where we operate.
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By GlobalData“With this plan, we reaffirm our purpose of serving extraordinarily at every moment, our commitment to innovation and to creating sustainable value for our customers, employees and investors, as well as our optimistic outlook on future opportunities.”
Approximately 70% of the investment budget will be channelled into growth-related projects.
It includes opening new stores, refurbishing existing locations, expanding shopping centres and developing real estate on available land.
Alongside store openings, Cencosud intends to advance its shopping centre development and expansion plans, which are projected to deliver more than 40,000m² of additional gross lettable area in 2026.
The remaining capital expenditure will focus on reinforcing the company’s broader retail ecosystem.
This includes digital transformation projects, further development of e-commerce and the retail media business, as well as investments in logistics and operational capabilities designed to support long-term value creation.
In February 2025, Cencosud sold its Bretas supermarket assets in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state for 716m reais ($123m).
Through its Brazilian unit, Cencosud Brasil Comercial, the retailer transferred 54 supermarkets, eight service stations, a distribution centre and other assets to Supermercados BH Comércio de Alimentos.
