Druni, a Valencia-based beauty and cosmetics chain, will open a major new store in the former Zara premises at Carrer Joan Maragall in Figueres, ending nearly two years of uncertainty about the future of one of the city centre’s most prominent retail spaces. The move marks a significant reshuffle in the local retail landscape following Zara’s departure in October 2024.

Zara, part of the Inditex group, permanently closed its two stores in Figueres, located on Carrer Joan Maragall and Carrer Ample, on 7 October 2024, as confirmed by municipal sources and reports from Empordà and Diari de Girona. The closures coincided with the opening of the expanded Gran Jonquera shopping complex, where Inditex relocated its presence, including other brands such as Bershka and Stradivarius.

The vacant site on Carrer Joan Maragall, which had remained sealed since late 2024, has now been leased to Druni. Municipal sources had previously indicated the property had been secured by a leading retail brand, though the identity was not disclosed until now.

Druni expands footprint in Figueres

Druni is no newcomer to the area. The company already operates two stores in Figueres, one at Carrer Nou, 119, and another at Plaça de l’Ajuntament, 24, as well as outlets in Roses, Empuriabrava, and La Jonquera. The new store will occupy a much larger footprint than its current locations, representing a strategic expansion in the Alt Empordà region.

Founded in Carlet in 1987, Druni specialises in perfumery, cosmetics, and personal hygiene, offering over 15,000 products across its network. The company operates more than 300 stores in Spain and launched its online store in 2015. It also sells its own private label, DRN.

Merged entity strengthens market position

The integration of Druni and Perfumerías Arenal marks a major shift in Spain’s beauty retail sector.

In June 2024, Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) approved the merger of Druni and Perfumerías Arenal, creating a combined entity jointly owned by MC, linked to the Portuguese Sonae Group, and the Casp family, founders of Druni. The CNMC resolution (file reference 5459224) outlines the conditions under which the merger was authorised, reinforcing Druni’s capacity to expand into prime retail locations.

The new store in Figueres is expected to revitalise a high-visibility commercial node that had been dormant since Inditex’s exit. The city council and local business association Comerç Figueres have expressed confidence in the area’s resilience, citing its strong cultural and gastronomic offer as a counterbalance to retail shifts.

Reported by Santi Coll, Redacció, L'Empordà, Isabel Domingo, lindependant.fr, Matthieu Terrats, gironaselect.com, CNMC - Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia, cnmc.es, Suárez Barrientos, Yara, Joan Trillas, Diari de Girona.