Porto is recognised for the warmth with which it welcomes and shares its know-how in the diversity of shops that make up its local commerce. And it is this character that also forges Porto’s unique identity.
There are more than 6500 retail and service establishments in the city of Porto, where a dynamic of long tradition coexists with daily renovation. Four out of 10 establishments are over 100 years old and 2 out of 10 have been in business for less than 5 years. This is a city where the accumulated capital of good service in commerce and services has been passed on to new businesses, creating a high standard in the consumer experience.
Municipality of Porto recognising the fundamental role of its commercial fabric, has been developing a series of actions to boost commerce and strengthen its ecosystem:
Fostering Digital Transition and Innovation: through Shop in Porto digital platform (version 2.0 in process) it is possible to seek information about establishments in real time, as well as disseminating news and narratives, customizing itineraries and campaigns disclosure.
Generating Information and Knowledge for Decision and Action: developing data analysis and studies such as the Observatório do Comércio, the first extensive city traders census;
Support for the Safeguarding and Sustainability of Economic Activities: through Porto de Tradição (Porto of Tradition) programme, a recognition awarded to more than 100 establishments and entities of local historical, cultural or social interest;
Contribution to the Training of Economic Agents: developing an annual training programme for traders and workers and the Consultancy Programme in areas such as Customer Service, Window Dressing and Visual Merchandising, Digital Marketing and Business Management.
Development of New Urban Centralities: through Street Art Installation
Encouraging Economic Activities Contemporaneity and Attractiveness: through activities such as Comércio Fora do Sítio (Commerce out of place) or Shop Window Competition.
Porto Retail Forum provides an annual gathering to reflect on development policies, promoting the meeting of the trade community, the establishment of cooperation networks with other commercially vibrant cities and the debate on the future of trade in urban centers.
