Continente will stop opening new hypermarkets in Portugal, shifting its growth strategy towards proximity stores and smaller urban formats.
The move was confirmed by Luís Moutinho, CEO of MC Sonae, during a press briefing marking the 40th anniversary of the launch of the Continente brand.
MC Sonae will cap the number of Continente hypermarkets at 41 stores. The company stressed that the decision reflects market realities rather than a withdrawal from large-format retail.
According to Moutinho, Portugal no longer offers space for additional hypermarkets, but there remains significant scope to modernise and reposition existing locations.
The strategy aligns with wider changes in grocery retail across the region, as retailers place greater emphasis on convenience formats, proximity shopping and value-led growth — trends also reflected in recent analysis of private-label trends in Europe.
Proximity Formats Become Growth Priority
Future growth will be driven by Continente Modelo supermarkets and Continente Bom Dia convenience stores, formats designed for frequent, local shopping missions.
MC Sonae plans to invest €1 billion by 2030, focused on digital transformation, store refurbishments and new openings. The group aims to open around 20 new stores per year, expanding its network to approximately 500 locations and creating 3,000 jobs over the next five years.
While regional coverage remains important, urban areas continue to offer growth opportunities.
In Greater Lisbon, new Continente Bom Dia stores are scheduled to open in early 2026 in Queluz, Alcântara-Terra and Campo de Ourique. A new Continente Modelo supermarket is also planned for Malveira.
The proximity strategy works alongside Continente’s wider network, including around 300 Meu Super franchise stores, supporting faster, more localised grocery shopping.
MC Sonae’s food retail business currently operates 401 stores, including 41 hypermarkets, 149 supermarkets and 211 convenience stores.
International Expansion Shifts Beyond Food Retail
The group has ruled out further international expansion of the Continente brand following unsuccessful attempts in Brazil and Angola.
However, MC Sonae is actively pursuing international growth in health, beauty and wellness. The group owns Wells in Portugal and holds a 50% stake in Spanish chains Arenal and Druni, which together operate close to 500 stores.
Management said this segment offers the strongest platform for future international expansion, with new markets and geographies under review.
