Portuguese retail sector sees rising productivity and training investment

The Portuguese retail sector has seen significant growth in productivity and workforce investment, according to a study by the Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies (APED) conducted by Forvis Mazars.

Between 2020 and 2025, investment in employee training by retail employers rose by nearly 66%, increasing from 24.7 million euros to 40.9 million euros. The total volume of training hours grew by 60%, reaching 6.9 million hours in 2025. On average, each retail worker received 45 hours of training last year, with an investment of approximately 264 euros per employee.

In addition to training, the sector's productivity per employee has grown by approximately 30% over the last five years. In 2025, the gross value added per worker reached 29.6 thousand euros. The study attributes these gains to technological integration, strategic skill development, and a rise in permanent employment contracts. Furthermore, APED members have created more than 20,000 jobs over the past five years, representing an average annual growth rate of 3%.