The open-air shopping district in Vila Real de Santo António, located in the city’s historic center, will see its businesses move onto e-commerce platforms as part of a broader strategy to invigorate the local retail sector. This initiative involves an investment of 1.5 million euros, with 895,000 euros financed through European Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) funds, and the Faro district council leading the project.
According to the city’s mayor, Álvaro Araújo, the “Digital District” aims to increase the visibility of local businesses by integrating them into online shopping platforms and marketplace-style platforms, alongside efforts to promote the area through social media and tourism-oriented marketing strategies.
“The goal is to improve the customer experience by implementing digital solutions, transforming business models through digitalisation, and enhancing workers’ digital skills. This, in turn, will encourage entrepreneurship within the trade and service sectors,” Araújo explained.
Developed in collaboration with local business owners, the project seeks to strengthen the identity of Vila Real de Santo António’s commerce, making it more appealing and resilient. It also aims to position the area as a strong alternative to larger shopping centers. Additionally, the plan targets increasing visibility across the border in Andalusia, as many Spanish visitors are key customers for the Algarve city’s shops.
The project will also see the installation of an urban Wi-Fi network, the creation of digital information hubs, and the development of unified signage to promote a cohesive visual identity throughout the shopping area.
Creating this “digital neighbourhood” in Vila Real’s commercial hub is one of the municipality’s most ambitious initiatives, made possible by the presence of a unique open-air shopping center, which already boasts its own distinctive design, signage, and a variety of shops and services, the mayor added.
Source: The Portugal News
