Bemalu, more than half a century of history
The history of Bemalu, a leading distributor of personal hygiene and drugstore products in Spain, originated thanks to Bernardo Mateos Lucerga. In addition to driving the business, he devised its identity based on the first two letters of his first name and surname. However, we cannot forget María Egea Hernández, Bernardo’s wife and main supporter throughout the history of the business.
In fact, the activity started in a grocery shop in Mazarrón and in the courtyard of Bernardo’s parents’ house. There, they taught themselves how to make bleach and then offered it to shops in the area. The couple’s hard work and determination led them to try other products such as animal feed, pipes, canned food… until they started buying detergent in bulk. It was one of the fundamental decisions to become what they are today: the number one in sales of personal hygiene, drugstore, perfumery and cosmetics products in Spain.
The expansion begins
The success with the sale of drugstore products prompted them to expand Bemalu and they acquired a warehouse in the centre of the village. From the beginning, Maria and Bernardo worked side by side at the new location. While she prepared the loads in the warehouse, Bernardo, at the helm of a newly acquired wagon, distributed them among a fledgling commercial network.
Consolidation as bleach and detergent sellers allowed them to expand their product line and they incorporated perfumes. In addition to growing in the types of articles, the small transport fleet began to resemble what it is today. Bernardo and Maruja bought a lorry and hired a travelling salesman to travel around the villages of the Murcia region. The customers grew.
The formula had no secret: they simply offered the best prices wherever they went. As a result, the commercial routes were extended and more travellers were hired to allow Bemalu to reach more points in the Levante and southern Spain. Step by step, the company we know today was built up. At the beginning of the 80’s, a warehouse and some land were acquired on the outskirts of Mazarrón, home of Bemalu since then.
The expansion begins
The success with the sale of drugstore products prompted them to expand Bemalu and they acquired a warehouse in the centre of the village. From the beginning, Maria and Bernardo worked side by side at the new location. While she prepared the loads in the warehouse, Bernardo, at the helm of a newly acquired wagon, distributed them among a fledgling commercial network.
Consolidation as bleach and detergent sellers allowed them to expand their product line and they incorporated perfumes. In addition to growing in the types of articles, the small transport fleet began to resemble what it is today. Bernardo and Maruja bought a lorry and hired a travelling salesman to travel around the villages of the Murcia region. The customers grew.
The formula had no secret: they simply offered the best prices wherever they went. As a result, the commercial routes were extended and more travellers were hired to allow Bemalu to reach more points in the Levante and southern Spain. Step by step, the company we know today was built up. At the beginning of the 80’s, a warehouse and some land were acquired on the outskirts of Mazarrón, home of Bemalu since then.
A familiar essence
Bemalu has always been, is and will be a family business. Sebastián and Luis, sons of Bernardo and Maruja, already lent a hand in their parents’ business when they were young to learn and know all the ins and outs of the business.
The knowledge of the fathers and the dedication of the sons led Bemalu to reach the figures that define it today as a leading company in its sector: more than 200 workers, more than 15,000 references, more than 30 sales agents and facilities that will reach 26,000 m2 with the new expansion, being in continuous growth year after year.
Finally, the third generation has already joined Bemalu after learning the business from their parents and grandparents, without shortcuts: they got to know the company from bottom to top. From the warehouse, preparing orders, visiting customers, going through all the departments to get to know the company as a whole.
The bases to continue in the same line are already assured: a powerful combination of heritage, tradition, work, perseverance and daily effort to continue offering a quality service and to continue being the leading company in personal hygiene, drugstore, perfumery and cosmetics products in Spain.
A familiar essence
Bemalu has always been, is and will be a family business. Sebastián and Luis, sons of Bernardo and Maruja, already lent a hand in their parents’ business when they were young to learn and know all the ins and outs of the business.
The knowledge of the fathers and the dedication of the sons led Bemalu to reach the figures that define it today as a leading company in its sector: more than 200 workers, more than 15,000 references, more than 30 sales agents and facilities that will reach 26,000 m2 with the new expansion, being in continuous growth year after year.
Finally, the third generation has already joined Bemalu after learning the business from their parents and grandparents, without shortcuts: they got to know the company from bottom to top. From the warehouse, preparing orders, visiting customers, going through all the departments to get to know the company as a whole.
The bases to continue in the same line are already assured: a powerful combination of heritage, tradition, work, perseverance and daily effort to continue offering a quality service and to continue being the leading company in personal hygiene, drugstore, perfumery and cosmetics products in Spain.
