Initiated in 2022, the "Carport Plug & Charge" project consists of installing solar panels on the roof of the stores' car parks, reducing energy consumption and contributing to the operationalisation of MC's Sustainability commitments.
We also continued expanding the “Continente Plug & Charge”, providing access to about 150 charging points for electric vehicles throughout the country.
In 2022, we launched the "Cozinha Continente" (Continente Kitchen), a new restaurant space with ready-to-eat meals, to take-away or order on the spot. The menu features traditional Portuguese food, and offers various meal options throughout the day. The first restaurant opened at Continente Vila Real, followed by Continente Viseu and, already in 2023, at Continente Telheiras, in Lisbon.
MC continued to leverage its e-commerce platforms, namely by expanding Continente Online's coverage (reaching Madeira with its home deliveries), with instant delivery partnerships (in 180 stores), and with its Click&Go services in stores (with 173 locations). Continente Online's value proposition was enhanced, by increasing the product range and simplifying the Customer browsing experience.
Wells stepped-up the expansion of its renewed 4-in-1 Beauty concept, which combines para-pharmacy, perfumery, mass market and professional hair care brands. By the end of 2022, out of its 298 Wells stores, the new Beauty concept was available in 12 Wells stores from North to South of the country, with spaces dedicated to personalised service and testing.
The expansion and renovation interventions at the Maia distribution centre were concluded in 2022, allowing for the expansion and incorporation of new operations, such as the supply of fish and cod for stores in the North of Portugal, previously ensured by the Azambuja distribution centre. The project involved the renovation of 66% of the existing area, mostly transformed into a cold storage area, and a 19% increase in the effective operating area.
After a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the "Festival Comida Continente" (Continente Food Festival) returned in 2022 for its 4th edition, hosting over 500,000 visitors. Over 2 days, this unique and free-entry event combined fun and food, with live music, show-cooking and tasting activities for the whole family.