A new supermarket is generating curiosity in Portugal by presenting an unusual proposal: selling products rejected by large chains at prices so low that many customers claim to be able to fill a cart for around forty euros.
The opening took place in Viseu and has been the subject of debate on social media, where videos and comments about the concept are multiplying. According to the Spanish newspaper As, which announced the news, the store is called Semper Bom and opened its doors on October 17th, on Rua Quinta da Manhosa, Pavilion 11.
The idea, according to the same source, is based on the purchase of logistical surpluses, returns or products removed from sale for aesthetic reasons, such as damaged packaging, changed labels or small defects that do not compromise food safety.
These are not expired or unsuitable items, but rather products that, for different reasons, are no longer sold in large supermarkets.
A model that focuses on zero waste
As explains that the brand aims to reduce waste by purchasing accumulated stocks from well-known brands or items from stores that have closed. The store organizes the offer in a simple and direct way: everything that arrives is sold at prices well below usual, which has led many consumers to share what they consider to be “finds” that are difficult to find in other supermarkets.
According to the Spanish publication, several customers report that, with just over forty euros, they can take home a variety of products, from groceries to personal hygiene. For families on tight budgets, this model has been seen as a welcome relief, especially at a time when food prices remain high.
The social value of the project has been highlighted by those who follow the evolution of the food sector in Portugal.
The country maintains significant levels of waste, according to data from the National Statistics Institute, and initiatives of this type are often highlighted as complementary tools to reduce the environmental and economic impact of this phenomenon.
A growing trend in the country
The appearance of Semper Bom comes at a time when the Portuguese market has seen the growth of similar models, many of them inspired by international trends.
It is recalled that the arrival of chains such as Primaprix reinforced this low-cost positioning based on recognized brands, but sold at reduced prices thanks to the use of surplus or discontinued lines.
In the case of Viseu, the dynamics have been positive since its opening, with great attendance and local curiosity. The store functions as a space where each visit is unpredictable, as stock changes constantly and depends on available lots. The surprise effect, combined with low prices, has been one of the factors that most attracts consumers.
Although the concept is not completely new internationally, its implementation in Portugal is still in its initial phase. The reactions, however, show that there is a demand for alternatives that combine domestic economics and environmental sustainability. For many customers, the idea of saving products that would otherwise be discarded has become as appealing as the final price on the receipt.
If the model gains scale, it could influence other regions and even encourage the entry of more operators into this market segment. For now, Semper Bom becomes an interesting case study on how combating waste can transform the way we shop on a daily basis.
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