Continente is planning to open 14 new supermarkets across Portugal over the next three months, creating more than 500 jobs in different parts of the country.

The expansion, announced by the company on 5 November, will include new stores in the districts of Braga, Faro, Leiria, Lisbon, Porto, Vila Real, Viseu and Setúbal. This means that the Algarve is also among the regions set to benefit from the supermarket chain's latest investment.

According to Executive Digest, the company plans to open the stores at an average rate of almost one per week, continuing to expand its presence across Portugal.

For those looking for employment, the announcement also brings new opportunities. Continente has confirmed that more than 500 jobs will be created, with priority given to recruiting people who already live in the areas where the new stores will open.

The company also plans to provide training for new employees, along with opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Although Faro is included in the expansion plans, the company has not yet announced the exact locations of the new stores in the Algarve or how many jobs will be available in the region. The opening dates for individual supermarkets have also not been confirmed.

What can customers expect from the new stores?

The new supermarkets will offer a range of products and services designed for everyday shopping.

Customers can expect fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery and pastry sections, butcher and fish counters, as well as takeaway food and café areas.

Parking facilities will also be available, together with accessibility and mobility solutions adapted to each location.

According to the company, the aim is to make shopping more convenient for local residents while bringing its services closer to communities across the country.

The expansion is part of Continente's wider strategy to strengthen its position in Portugal, where the supermarket chain already operates more than 400 stores.

Continente has been present in Portugal for more than four decades and operates different store formats, including larger hypermarkets, Continente Modelo supermarkets and smaller Continente Bom Dia neighbourhood stores.

The company has not yet specified which formats will be used for the 14 new locations.

Supporting local communities

Alongside the new stores and employment opportunities, Continente is also planning to develop partnerships with local organisations.

Through its Missão Continente initiative, each new supermarket will work with institutions in its surrounding community, providing regular support to local organisations.

This initiative is already part of the company's wider social responsibility activities and will be extended to the new locations.

The latest announcement follows the company's longer-term plans to continue growing its supermarket network in Portugal. In December 2025, MC, the retail division of Sonae responsible for Continente, outlined plans to invest €1 billion by 2030 in expansion, store renovations and digital transformation.

For now, the focus is on the 14 new stores scheduled to open over the coming months.

With more than 500 jobs expected to be created and the Algarve included in the expansion, the announcement could be particularly interesting for residents looking for new employment opportunities.

Further details about the exact store locations and recruitment opportunities are expected to become clearer as the individual openings approach.

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