Portugal Supermarkets, Mercados, Shops, Stores Walking Tour May 2022

Some popular grocery chain stores in Portugal include Continente, Pingo Doce, Lidl and Aldi. Larger cities frequently have these chains in more than one location and larger cities can also have some store locations which are super-sized versions of with much more than just food related products. Smaller towns in Portugal may have one or more locations for some or all of these stores but usually offer smaller versions with reduced amounts of offerings. Another chain with smaller locations is Mini-Preco which has competitive pricing on a smaller range of products but with quality offerings.
Still smaller, family owned single location mercados exist in large numbers within most towns and cities with limited basic foods and produce. Many towns also have butcher locations and some offer Municipal mercados which feature fresh seafood and produce from local farmers and fishermen.
Portugal also has many family owned general store type outlets that sell home goods of all types hardware and general items that are frequently not sold in large food chain stores. Ubiquitous throughout most towns and cities in Portugal are vast number of Pastererias, Padarias (bakeries) and coffee shops that offer fresh breads, rolls, cakes and sweets that are always fresh and outstandingly good.
The smaller markets and stores are often bustling places where locals come to buy groceries, sample local delicacies, and socialize. Chain stores, on the other hand, offer a more structured shopping experience, with shelves stocked with a wide variety of products.
Collectively, all these stores & mercados provide locals and visitors with a convenient way to purchase items they need, and play a vital role in the Portuguese economy and daily life.
This video provides a sampling of the different stores and a wide array of their offerings.