French retail group Les Mousquetaires recorded sales of €2.2 billion in its Portuguese operations last year, down marginally from €2.3 billion the previous year.
Capital expenditure investment amounted to €38.9 million, mainly for the expansion of the network from 308 to 330 stores (of which 254 trade under the Intermarché banner), with the group now present in 189 municipalities, while total retail sales area reached 415,000 square metres (+4%).
As part of its sustainable development strategy, Les Mousquetaires invested €2 million in its logistics platforms (Alcanena, Paços de Ferreira and Cantanhede) to install 2 PV energy production units. It also converted its lighting systems to smart solutions to reduce energy consumption levels.
Milestone Year
The year 2021 marks the group's 30th anniversary since its arrival in Portugal, and it plans to open 22 stores, modernise 100 outlets and create more than 800 jobs.
According to the group, the plan is to continue to invest in the development of its three core retail brands and to increase market share by 2025 to 2.5% in the food sector, 9% for Roady and 6.3% in the DIY sector.
Priority will be given to the opening of proximity stores, boosted by the implementation of digital solutions (such as drive, e-commerce and click & collect) and the websites of the three brands, complementing the customer service.
The Intermarché brand also plans to expand its PorSi private label range, currently accounting for 3,500 references, in all segments, after registering 94% growth last year (+35% on a like for like basis).
The group will also continue to invest in its relationship with local producers, supporting national production, mainly in the fresh produce area.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
