The American footwear brand Rockport opened its first physical store in Portugal on Tuesday, located at Almada Forum shopping center, marking a new phase in its expansion strategy in the national market. The opening comes after the brand's return to Portugal in December 2025, initially through the official online store. Rockport also plans to open two more spaces in Lisbon, at Amoreiras Shopping Center and Avenida da Igreja in Alvalade.
Among the priorities of the Portuguese operation is the resumption of production in Portugal of some models of the brand, recovering a historical connection to the national footwear industry. The company emphasizes that it intends to recover and enhance this historical connection, reaffirming confidence in the recognized Portuguese know-how and in the capacity of national professionals and manufacturers.
The general director of Rockport Portugal, Alexandre Ferreira, stated that the company aims for a "consolidated and substantial return," having started by testing the market through the online channel before moving to physical stores. According to the executive, Portugal plays a very special role in this new phase, particularly due to the resumption of Made in Portugal production of some models, a dimension that is part of the brand's historical DNA.
Founded in 1971 in the United States, Rockport develops footwear focused on the combination of style and comfort. The brand has been present in Portugal since the early 1990s and returned to the national market in December 2025. The Portuguese operation also features a digital platform developed using artificial intelligence for inventory management, demand analysis, personalized shopping experience, and customer support.
