Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) advised on the placement of the Portuguese brand Castelbel at Rua de Santa Catarina No. 28, in Porto. The consultancy facilitated the opening of Castelbel’s new flagship store, with approximately 70 sqm, on the city’s main shopping street.
Castelbel is a Portuguese company specializing in the production of scented products for body and home. Founded in 1999 in Castêlo da Maia, Porto, it began its activity by manufacturing perfumed soaps using artisanal methods. Today, the brand’s portfolio also includes scented candles, home diffusers, hand creams, body lotions, soap dishes, and various products in the areas of personal care, perfumery, and interior decoration. Production remains true to its origins: all Castelbel soaps are still manufactured at the Maia industrial unit, preserving artisanal rigor and manual wrapping.
Through the Castelbel and Portus Cale brands, the company is present in more than 50 countries. In Portugal, it has over 400 points of sale and continues to strengthen its expansion. Recently, it announced the opening of two new kiosks in shopping centers – at Centro Comercial Colombo in Lisbon and NorteShopping in Matosinhos. These spaces join its own stores in Braga, Porto (Palácio das Artes and Shopping Cidade do Porto), and Lisbon (Centro Cultural de Belém), as well as corners in El Corte Inglés department stores in Vila Nova de Gaia and Lisbon.
Susana Pires, Senior Retail Consultant at Cushman & Wakefield, comments: "We are particularly pleased to continue witnessing the growth and affirmation of national brands and concepts in a context of retail innovation in Portugal. Castelbel’s arrival on Rua de Santa Catarina is especially significant, as it is a Portuguese brand originating from Greater Porto, with over two decades of history and international recognition. This operation reinforces the commercial vitality of this street, aligning with the current expansion of its prime zone and confirming Santa Catarina’s ability to attract leading national operators. Above all, it demonstrates that traditional shopping streets remain top destinations for quality brands with a Portuguese identity — a clear sign that local commerce can compete and thrive."
Ricardo Costa, Managing Director of Castelbel, states: "With this new space, which brings together our iconic hand-wrapped soaps, body and home fragrances, and special collections designed to turn everyday life into special moments, we offer sophisticated experiences that combine elegance, tradition, and Portuguese authenticity. We want to provide a sensory experience that evokes memories and emotions through fragrance and design. It’s a way to be closer to those who appreciate what is made in Portugal, with dedication and attention to detail."
