Pepco, a multi-product retailer, has just announced a plan to begin operations in Portugal, with the first stores opening in the spring of 2023.
Portugal will be the brand's 18th market, which has around 3.000 stores from Estonia in northern Europe to Italy in the south, Spain in the west, and even Bulgaria in the east. This year, Pepco also launched its first stores in Germany, " which have proven to be a success ," and will also open the doors of its recently designed retail spaces for the Greek market.
Pepco Group
The Pepco Group was founded in 2015 and comprises two well-known and independent retailers – Pepco and Poundland, which also markets internationally under the Dealz brand, along with a global arm, PGS, which works closely with both operating companies.
Pepco's offering ranges from home products to clothing for the whole family, with approximately 500 different categories. " Competitive prices are the main strengths of Pepco stores, spontaneously mentioned by the majority of its shoppers (65%). This group of consumers visits Pepco stores regularly, and 2/3 of their purchases are planned in advance, but at the same time some customers also assume that visits to the stores are made simply because they enjoy the experience, without any specific purchase objective ," states a press release sent to the newsroom.
The Group further adds that the customer satisfaction rate is 88%, which is reflected in awards won regularly, such as the Service Quality Stars.
Portugal
After conducting extensive research into the national market, Pepco strategically targeted the Porto, Lisbon, and Algarve regions to establish its first stores, gradually expanding throughout the rest of the country.
Pepco stores occupy over 1 million square meters of sales area across Europe. In Portugal, the company is currently seeking to collaborate with owners and real estate agents to secure long-term leases for stores larger than 450 square meters, potentially reaching over 700 square meters, in retail parks and shopping centers in cities and municipalities with more than 15.000 inhabitants.
“ The launch of Pepco stores in Portugal is the next and most important step in the brand's growth journey. Following our market research and the strong interest in Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Italy, we expect to gain popularity in the Portuguese market as well. This is evident in Pepco's competitive and market-leading prices, the quality of its products, and its wide range of clothing and household goods. Every day we open a new Pepco store in some European territory and we carry out an average of 20 million purchases per month ,” says Anca Radu, Pepco's regional retail director.
The brand representative further adds, “ Since 2010, Pepco has been increasing its number of employees by 1000%, while maintaining a remarkably high employee retention rate. We are focused on creating opportunities for all our employees to grow with us, both professionally and personally. Hiring passionate, enthusiastic people who want to develop their skills and contribute to the company's growth is a priority .”
"24.000 people across Europe"
Currently, Pepco employs over 24.000 people across Europe and offers extensive training to help employees contribute to the business and develop their professional careers in the long term, with various employee benefits and flexible work arrangements.
In this initial phase, the company plans to hire a few dozen employees to launch its operation in Portugal.
Pepco's Portuguese store portfolio will include the brand's new concept, successfully launched in Spain. Larger format stores, offering products from three categories – in addition to general merchandise and clothing, they will also provide personal hygiene, cleaning and laundry products, beverages, snacks and pastries, and pet products. This follows a positive initial test, serving as initial feedback to customers.
