Lavinia announced the closing of its symbolic wine store on Ortega y Gasset Street, located in Madrid’s acclaimed golden mile, with the date set for January 31, 2024. The decision comes after negotiations over the lease renewal failed to reach an agreement, prompting a necessary consolidation of the brand’s physical footprint. This move marks a turning point for the historic shop, which has long stood as a curated gateway to Spain’s rich vinicultural scene and a beloved destination for wine lovers in the city. The closure, officially confirmed by the company, signals a strategic shift rather than a mere relocation of operations.> (Source: Lavinia)
Specifically, the store, which houses more than 4,500 references and is devoted entirely to wine, issued a candid note about the impact of the decision: that it is with great regret that it will close its doors. The closure will also trigger an employment regulation procedure (ERE) affecting about 20 employees within the Ortega y Gasset team, reflecting the broader pattern many traditional retailers faced amid the evolution of consumer habits and real estate costs. The situation underscores the human side of corporate strategy, where decisions at the corporate level ripple through the livelihoods of staff and the daily routines of the local community.> (Source: Lavinia)
Following the closure of the Ortega y Gasset flagship, the company clarified that it is not weighing the creation of a new flagship with similar characteristics. Instead, management is prioritizing a leaner, more flexible model that leverages online sales alongside smaller, strategically placed stores. The plan envisions a blended approach with online channels serving nationwide and international wine enthusiasts while physical presence focuses on carefully selected locations such as La Moraleja or La Finca. These sites are viewed as opportunities to maintain high visibility in luxury residential corridors while keeping operating costs manageable and responsive to shifting consumer needs.> (Source: Lavinia)
Despite the exit from Ortega y Gasset, Lavinia stressed that the consolidation does not disrupt the group’s remaining activities. Both companies within the group will continue operating, including the online store hosted on its official site, ongoing distribution operations, and all business-to-business activities that are expanding. The group will also maintain its presence in Madrid through other stores in the district, notably Moraleja Green and La Finca, which will continue to serve loyal customers and attract new clientele seeking curated wine experiences.> (Source: Lavinia)
Looking ahead, the group affirmed its commitment to advancing in digital channels and retail, while strengthening its agile distribution capabilities to better serve customers. The changes are framed as part of a broader modernization program aimed at delivering a seamless, integrated customer journey that blends physical showcases with robust online ordering, fast fulfillment, and expert guidance from wine specialists. This strategic recalibration aligns with the sector’s trend toward omnichannel operations, a move designed to respond quickly to market dynamics and consumer expectations while preserving the brand’s heritage and expertise.> (Source: Lavinia)