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Nelson Ribeiro, Head of Sales Portugal

BEHIND THE SEAMS

Celebrating Our Next Chapter: Primark's €40 million investment in Portugal

Nelson Ribeiro, Head of Sales Portugal, discusses Primark’s exciting growth journey in Portugal as we commit to opening four new stores across the market.

Olá Portugal,

Can you believe it's been 15 years since Primark first landed in Portugal? We've come a long way since opening our very first store in Amadora back in 2009.

To celebrate this milestone and our incredible journey together, I’m sharing some exciting news: Primark is gearing up for an expansion across the country with a €40 million investment and four new stores! This means new locations, more colleagues, and bringing our fantastic product and shopping experience to more people across Portugal!

Since arriving in Portugal, we’ve grown to 10 stores nationwide, with each one being welcomed with open arms from our enthusiastic, loyal customers. Now, we are excited to announce our expansion plans to grow even further by opening four brand-new stores in four vibrant cities:

  • Allegro Shopping Centre, Montijo 

  • Centro Comercial Espaço, Guimarães 

  • Palácio Do Gelo Shopping, Viseu 

  • Covilhã City Center Retail Park, Covilhã 

Each location has been carefully chosen to bring Primark closer to more customers. And that’s not all – we’ve also expanded our Colombo store, adding 40% more retail space to this popular store which we were delighted to open to the public just last Friday! 

Back in 2013 I had the honour of opening Primark Colombo as the store manager. Witnessing the growing love and demand for our products has been immensely rewarding. Now, extending the store to offer an even better shopping experience is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Primark's €40 Million Investment in Portugal
Primark's €40 Million Investment in Portugal
Primark's €40 Million Investment in Portugal

Over the last 12 years, I’ve worked in various roles across the business, from Store Manager to Area Manager to Head of Sales. Throughout this journey, I’ve been lucky to witness and contribute to our amazing growth. Working alongside such talented colleagues, I’ve learned, grown, and seen first-hand the positive impact we’ve had on communities across Portugal. And I couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey with all of you.

What makes Primark so special here in Portugal? To me, it's how we blend timeless classics with the latest trends, offering something for everyone. Whether you're into fashion-forward styles or everyday essentials, we've got you covered — from basic tees to exclusive collaborations like the Rita Ora collection. Our goal is to reflect the diverse tastes and styles of our Portuguese customers, ensuring everyone finds something they love at the best price

But for us, shopping at Primark is more than just buying clothes; it's about creating memorable experiences. Our stores are designed to be welcoming spaces for families and friends, with a wide range of products that appeal to all ages. Whether dressing for summer holidays, important occasions, or everyday life, Primark ensures everyone looks and feels their best.

Creating an exceptional in-store shopping experience is our top priority. Our stores are places where customers can have fun, be inspired by the latest fashion trends, and explore innovative products. Our four new stores will be no exception, and we will continue to create inclusive environments where customers can enjoy a unique shopping experience. Plus, they’ll be the first stores in Portugal to have self-service checkouts, giving customers more choice and convenience when visiting.

None of this would be possible without our incredible team of 1,700 colleagues across Portugal. They’re the heart and soul of Primark, dedicated to providing you with the best shopping experience every day. We take the training and development of our teams seriously, ensuring they can grow as leaders within our business and have fulfilling retail careers at Primark. And as we expand, we’re thrilled to create 500 new jobs, offering more opportunities to join our Primark family.

Portugal Team

Our growth isn’t just about opening new stores; it’s about creating opportunities and supporting local communities. Giving back is at the heart of what we do. Over the years, we’ve partnered with local charities to support causes that make a real difference. To date, we’ve donated over €1 million to Portuguese charities, including Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro and Ajuda de Berço, organisations that provide vital support to cancer patients and children in need. We believe in making a positive impact and are committed to doing even more as we grow. 

Primark's €40 Million Investment in Portugal

Reflecting on our 15 years in Portugal, I’m filled with gratitude. We’re always evolving, striving to be a better employer, reach more customers, and enhance our offerings.

Thank you to all our loyal customers and dedicated colleagues for making Primark in Portugal what it is today. Your support means everything to us, and we can’t wait to continue this incredible journey with all of you.

Nelson Ribeiro

Head of Sales Portugal

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