Eight Alisuper supermarkets re-opened at the weekend and a further three are expected to open tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.
The first store to re-open was at Quinta do Lago, four months after all Alisuper stores closed because of debts incurred by Algarve-based cooperative Alicoop. A ceremony was held involving trade union representatives, employees, creditors and local and regional dignitaries.
Carlos Tuta, the former Monchique Mayor and the chain’s new administrataor, said: “The remaining stores will re-open in accordance with their viability, but for now, more than 70 employees have returned to work.”
The first eight stores to re-open are in Quinta do Lago, three in Albufeira, two in Vilamoura, one in Vale do Lobo and another in Alvor.
This weekend, stores are expected to reopen in Vilamoura, Albufeira and Quarteira.
The priority for the new management of the supermarket chain “is to capitalise on the high number of customers” in the region during the peak season.
Carlos Tuta added: “Under the recovery plan, all the shops should be open and all staff back at work by July 2011.”
