German electronics giant MediaMarkt is set to close its flagship store on Carrer de Fontanella in central Barcelona, paving the way for a major relocation to the nearby El Triangle shopping center in Plaça de Catalunya. The move, expected to take place in late 2026 or early 2027, marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy for the Catalan capital, doubling down on experiential retail in one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs.

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The current store, located at number 6 Carrer de Fontanella directly opposite the El Corte Inglés department store, has been a prominent fixture since it opened in 2016. Its closure will vacate a prime 3,300-square-meter retail space with a monthly rent exceeding €160,000, according to an exclusive report from Metrópoli.

Sources from CBRE, the real estate consultancy managing the operation, described the soon-to-be-available property as an “exceptional opportunity for a brand that seeks to establish itself in one of the points with the highest transit in Barcelona.”

The relocation to El Triangle is the centerpiece of MediaMarkt’s expansion strategy for this year. The new establishment will occupy the space formerly held by retailer FNAC, encompassing over 6,500 square meters distributed across three floors. This substantial increase in size will allow the company to launch its second “lighthouse” concept store in Spain, following the model’s successful debut in Madrid in 2022.

“El Triangle is a strategically positioned center, with a constant pedestrian flow and a very consolidated commercial mix,” CBRE officials noted, highlighting the advantages of the new location.

The lighthouse format represents a pioneering retail model for MediaMarkt, blending technology, hands-on experiences, and specialized services within a large-format store. The goal is to move beyond simple transactions and create an immersive environment for customers, featuring dedicated brand boutiques and innovative technology displays. By moving to the heart of Plaça de Catalunya, the company aims to significantly modernize its offering and boost its brand visibility in the city.

This move is part of a wider reconfiguration of the retail landscape in Barcelona’s city center. Earlier this year, telecommunications firm Orange announced it would also be leaving its Plaça de Catalunya location for a larger, more strategic flagship store on the prestigious Portal de l’Àngel avenue. These high-profile relocations underscore a trend among major brands to secure larger, more experience-focused spaces in prime pedestrian zones.

While the transition is confirmed, both the closure of the Fontanella store and the opening of the new El Triangle location are slated for the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027, giving the German retailer ample time to prepare for its next chapter in Barcelona.

Primary source: Europa Press Barcelona.