The Consum chain has hired young people like Gerard Alexandrescoff, 20, for its supermarket in Sant Boi de Llobregat, taking advantage of school holidays. Stable hours and the work environment are the main attractions.
Gerard Alexandrescoff, 20, returns this summer as a shelf stacker and cashier at Consum in Sant Boi de Llobregat. The young man, who balances work with his studies, particularly values the stable hours offered by the chain: "having a fixed schedule, from a certain time to a certain time, and even rotating to have afternoons off one week," he explains.
The employers' association Asedas, which includes Mercadona, Lidl, DIA, Aldi, Consum, and other brands, expects 10,500 new contracts in 2025 across Spain to cover summer campaigns. In Sant Boi, Gerard's case is an example of how supermarkets become a gateway to the job market for young people.
A familiar environment that facilitates work
Gerard admits that Consum has always been his supermarket of choice: "I ended up going every day for one reason or another," he comments. This led him to check the company's website, where he first found a position in a warehouse in the Zona Franca, but ultimately opted for a customer-facing role in his locality. "I already knew most of the staff from last year and the customers, which is key to making the work easier," he assures.
For the residents of Sant Boi, this hiring represents a boost in service during the summer months, when footfall increases due to tourism and the holidays of permanent staff. The supermarket thus maintains its service without congestion.
Desired profile: attitude over experience
Sources from Asedas indicate that the most sought-after profile is "mostly operational," with an emphasis on customer orientation, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. Previous experience is not decisive. Moreover, the sector has gained greater social recognition, making it easier to fill vacancies in summer, although challenges remain for specialized profiles.
For now, Gerard only considers working in summer, but he does not rule out returning: "if they call me next year, I would look at the offer very positively." The company, for its part, sees these contracts as a talent pool: many temporary workers end up becoming permanent.
A summer with schedules that fit
The main advantage of supermarkets in attracting young people like Gerard is the predictability of hours. Unlike hospitality, where shifts are more irregular, in food distribution fixed shifts are offered that allow for the organization of studies and leisure. "I work happily," summarises Gerard, who values being able to balance his job with his education.
In Sant Boi, Consum thus becomes a launchpad for employment for students, who also acquire skills such as empathy, conflict resolution, and working under pressure, useful for any future profession. Meanwhile, the municipality's customers benefit from a more agile and close service during the busier months.
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