Primark has opened its first small format store in Montijo, Portugal, signaling a shift towards more localized retail experiences.
- The new store format is much smaller than typical Primark outlets, covering just 27,000 square feet.
- Located in the Alegro shopping center, the store offers a curated selection akin to its larger counterparts but scaled for a smaller market.
- Sustainability is at the forefront of the store’s design, including the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient practices.
- The Montijo store is a pilot for future small format stores, with the next location planned for Bolton, UK.
Primark has taken a step towards adapting its retail strategy by introducing its first small format store in Montijo, Portugal. As a departure from their usual expansive outlets, this store covers a significantly smaller area of 27,000 square feet. Yet, it still manages to maintain the brand’s identity, offering a similar shopping experience to what customers expect from Primark.
Situated in the Alegro shopping center, this store serves as a retail anchor despite its modest size. The architecture of the store allows shoppers to view almost the entire space from the entrance. This open-plan design is achieved by reducing the height of interior walls, ensuring visibility and accessibility.
The product range in Montijo focuses primarily on fashion for women, men, and children, with a limited selection of homewares. The fashion-forward concept is maintained, with a ‘new beauty concept’ that resembles popular American beauty retailers. According to Mark Jordan, Primark’s director of space optimization and store design, this approach is about ‘fashion for the home’ rather than an extensive homeware section.
From a sustainability perspective, Primark emphasizes eco-friendly construction and operations. Materials such as ‘Ecoboard’ and ‘Smart Plastic’, derived from recycled sources, are used extensively. Primark has also incorporated recycling bins made from recycled Primark clothing to encourage sustainable practices among shoppers.
This innovative small format is more than a trial; it’s a strategic pilot with a rollout plan that includes another store in Bolton later this month. The concept addresses a growing demand for accessible local shopping, reducing the need for long commutes to city centers.
Primark’s small format store in Montijo marks a significant shift in retail strategy, aligning with sustainability trends and localized consumer demands, promising more such stores soon.
