Tiendas 3B has established itself as the largest and most recognized hard discount chain in Mexico, also known as a proximity store model. Since opening its first location in February 2005, the company has transformed how millions of Mexicans shop by offering high-quality essential products at low prices every day.
The Origin of the Hard Discount Model in Mexico
Tiendas 3B was the first chain to introduce the hard discount format to Mexico. This model is based on a simple yet powerful premise: offering essential products at the lowest possible price through reduced operating costs, the elimination of unnecessary expenses, and a strong focus on private-label strategy.
Today, the company operates around 3,000 branches across 15 states, including key locations in high-income areas such as Polanco and Santa Fe in Mexico City.
The “3Bs” of Hard Discount
The 3B format (Bueno, Bonito y Barato — “Good, Nice, and Cheap”) focuses on minimizing costs in three main areas:
Limited and Smart Assortment: Tiendas 3B offers between 700 and 1,000 essential products, prioritizing high-turnover items. This selective catalog allows for optimized inventory and more competitive pricing.
The Power of Private Labels: A significant portion of the catalog consists of private-label brands, enabling the company to control its supply chain, eliminate intermediaries, and ensure sustainable profitability without compromising quality.
Logistical Efficiency: Tiendas 3B are simple and practical, strategically located near residential and high-density urban areas. This proximity reduces transportation costs and enhances the daily shopping experience.
Growth and Financial Results
Over the past year, the chain opened 528 new stores, surpassing the 460 opened in the previous period. Between April and June 2025 alone, it inaugurated 142 new stores, a 17.4% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024.
Comparable store sales grew by over 15 percentage points in the second quarter of 2025 — a result of both higher transaction volumes and more items purchased per visit.
Since its New York Stock Exchange debut on February 9, 2024, Tiendas 3B has maintained strong market performance after raising $589 million USD in its Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Tiendas 3B Expand into Premium Areas: Polanco and Santa Fe
Although originally aimed at working-class sectors, Tiendas 3B has begun expanding into higher-income areas such as Polanco and Santa Fe, introducing a more modern and visually refined store format.
In these locations, the chain maintains its core discount identity but adapts to its offer — more organized layouts, higher-value products, and an emphasis on convenience and proximity.
With nearly two decades in the market, Tiendas 3B has evolved from a disruptive newcomer into a benchmark for smart consumption in Mexico. Its combination of efficiency, accessibility, and low prices has reshaped the country’s retail landscape, consolidating its position as the nation’s largest hard discount chain.
