Cencosud expands Don Salva hard discount chain

Cencosud has expanded its hard-discount format Don Salva to 10 operating stores in Chile after opening two new locations in Santiago, according to a 14 September report by Perú Retail. The new branches are located on Avenida Del Parque 4023 in Huechuraba and on San Diego 318 in Santiago Centro.

The entire Don Salva operation remains concentrated in the Santiago Metropolitan Region. The chain began commercial operations in June with three inaugural stores, and Cencosud plans to close the year with roughly 40 operational locations.

Each store spans approximately 180 square meters, offering groceries, bakery items, personal care products, beverages, perishables, and Cencosud private labels. Andrés Neely, the group's chief financial and administration officer, explained that the format was designed to reach consumers who cannot access the company's traditional store ecosystem due to geographic location.

The rapid expansion places Cencosud in direct competition with existing discount operators in Chile. Key competitors in the segment include Peruvian group Intercorp's Mass brand and local chain Ahorra Food Depot.