The C&A clothing chain is closing four underperforming stores in Portugal but plans to open two new outlets this year.
The closures will relieve 25 workers of their jobs with the business claiming that the move will strengthen its position in the market.
Using the dreaded word, 'sustainable,' a spokesman said the clothing chain management "has decided to adapt its strategy to grow in a more sustainable way and strengthen its position."
This involves something called a transformation plan, which will be employed to close and open stores.
C&A has been in Portugal for 26 years so this type of activity is not a challenge.
The stores that are closing are at Marshopping (Matosinhos), and Spacio Olivais, Allegro Alfragide and Fórum Barreiro all in the general Lisbon area.
"In parallel, the brand will open two new stores in Portugal during this year in Loulé (the new Ikea shopping experience) and Telheiras,(Lisbon)"
C&A's transformation plan "will also involve a reinforcement of consumer-oriented actions and a development of the digital component, so that the brand becomes multi-channel and responds to buying trends," according to Domingos Esteves, C&A Iberia's general director, freshly back from a 'How to Speak Marketing' course.
