Portuguese retailer Sonae is celebrating 30 years since the opening of its first Continente hypermarket in Matosinhos.
The opening of the store changed the habits and customs of the Portuguese, as for the first time it was possible to purchase all products for day-to-day in the same space.
Over the years, Continente defined it lines of action based on low prices, variety, quality of offer and personalized service in its 210 stores. This figure includes 40 Continente stores, 42 Continente Bom Dia and 105 Continente Modelo outlets, plus 16 shops in Madeira and 7 in the Azores.
The main highlights over the years have been the launch of the private label brand (1992), the start of an online service (2001) and the introduction of the Continente Card (2007). Through its loyalty card scheme, Continente awarded more than €1.9 billion in rebates since 2007 to about 3.4 million families, who have been able to enjoy a wide range of benefits and discounts, resulting from successful partnerships with Galp, Rock in Rio, the Portuguese Football Federation, MO, Zippy, Solinca and, more recently, Meu Super.
Positioning itself as a socially responsible brand, Continente has also developed a set of projects that contribute to the improvement of the living conditions, both locally, as well at national level.
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic
