Category: News

The Almeida Junior Group, a benchmark in Santa Catarina with six shopping centers in the state’s key regions, celebrates today (January 10th) its 45th anniversary

The company, a leader in the segment, marks the occasion with impressive results achieved in 2024, including a 21% average increase in sales compared to the previous year and a record of 32 million visitors.

To kick off 2025 with new developments, the group announces the arrival of the Uruguayan restaurant Narbona to Continente Shopping in the first quarter, launching the new Continente Boulevard.

This space, designed for dining and leisure experiences, will also feature the Italian restaurant Forneria Carbone and the Japanese restaurant Arquipélago.

Meanwhile, Balneário Shopping has unveiled a new premium dining area, with highlights including three flagship establishments: Duladu, specializing in Italian cuisine led by Chef Dudu Poerner; Manteigaria do Porto, offering authentic Portuguese flavors; and Unizushi, showcasing contemporary Japanese gastronomy.

In 2024, 16 new restaurants were incorporated into the company’s shopping center network, reinforcing its commitment to delivering diverse and high-quality dining experiences.

INNOVATION AND EXPANSION

As part of its strategy to enhance customer experience, the Almeida Junior Group plans to expand entertainment and communal areas while investing in advanced media solutions across its shopping centers.

Currently, the network boasts 136 digital screens, reaching 2.3 million people monthly.

Maintaining its innovative spirit, the company continues to invest in technology, including new features for the AJ FANS app. This platform connects customers and retailers, aiming to further personalize user experiences and solidify the group’s competitive edge in the market.

Over the next five years, the group plans to invest R$ 800 million in expanding its operations, beginning with the second expansion of Balneário Shopping. This development will add 140 new stores, six restaurants, and a gourmet market, reinforcing its position as the company’s iconic mall.

The expansion plan also includes new real estate projects integrated into the network’s shopping centers, following the model of the luxurious The Spot One residential development already connected to Balneário Shopping.

The group intends to develop high-end residential and commercial towers in other ventures.

Jaimes Almeida Junior, CEO and founder of the group, highlights:

“We will remain focused on attracting premium dining establishments, international brands, and high-quality operations, enhancing our distinctive tenant mix and customer experience within our shopping centers.”

“Celebrating 45 years is a milestone that reflects our commitment to innovation, quality, and strategic vision.”

“We are ready for the next steps, combining technology, real estate expansion, and delivering the very best to our customers and partners.”

SC’s largest shopping center chain promotes ‘Tree of Dreams’ initiative benefiting 18 institutions in 2024

The magic of Christmas has already taken over the Almeida Junior Group’s shopping centers, with festive decorations illuminating the spaces and initiatives awakening the public’s spirit of solidarity. This year, the traditional charitable initiative ‘Tree of Dreams’ invites visitors to bring joy to children and animals in vulnerable situations. Available until the second half of December at Continente Shopping, Balneário Shopping, Garten Shopping, Neumarkt and Norte Shopping — and until January 5 at Nações Shopping — the campaign is an opportunity to transform Christmas into an even more special moment for those in need.

Eighteen partner institutions will be benefited by the campaign. Each property’s ‘Tree of Dreams,’ decorated with informational cards containing the child’s name, age, and institution, can be selected to choose a gift. The back of the card will have a blank space reserved for a message from the gift giver. The card and gift must be delivered to the concierge desk.

In Balneário Camboriú, four institutions will benefit from the initiative at Balneário Shopping: Lar da Criança Feliz, Instituto Vivaz, Asilo Dom Bosco, and Afadefi. In Greater Florianópolis, Continente Shopping chose the Creche Vinde a Mim As Criancinhas project, a philanthropic early childhood education institution for children ages 3 to 5, to receive the gifts. In Joinville, at Garten Shopping, the initiative will benefit ten institutions, including the Resgate Project in Joinville, which will receive book donations for school-age children.

At Nações Shopping in Criciúma, the project is carried out in partnership with the Animal Protection Association SOS Vira-Lata, a non-governmental and non-profit organization recognized for its work promoting animal welfare since 2009.

In Blumenau, donations made at Neumarkt Shopping will be allocated to house 1 of the Casa de Acolhida São Felipe Néri institution, which serves over 110 children between 5 and 10 years old in after-school programs. Donations made at Norte Shopping will be allocated to the Association of Friends, Parents and People with Myelomeningocele (AAPPM), which serves 80 children in the city.

“The Christmas season makes people even more charitable and reminds them how important it is to help those most in need. Each donated gift brings more than joy, it brings hope and affection to children and institutions that need it so much,” says Rogério Alves, Marketing and Relationship Director at Almeida Junior.

With Christmas approaching, the shopping centers of the Almeida Junior Group are preparing to welcome customers in a magical environment, decorated to celebrate the most special time of the year. In addition to themed decorations, this Christmas promises unique experiences for those shopping at the group’s shopping centers. Starting November 4, for every R$300.00 in purchases, the customer receives a Lucky Number to enter to win a BYD KING model per shopping center.

Registration is simple and can be done through the AJFans app, at the exchange counter in the shopping centers, or even through each shopping center’s website. For those who choose to pay with the SICOOB Card, the chances are even greater: for every R$300.00 in purchases, there are 3x more chances to win, with 3 lucky numbers. All six shopping centers in the group are participating in the campaign: Continente Shopping, in Greater Florianópolis; Balneário Shopping, in Balneário Camboriú; Garten Shopping, in Joinville; Nações Shopping, in Criciúma; and Neumarkt and Norte Shopping, in Blumenau.

Balneário Shopping – click and participate Continente Shopping – click and participate Garten Shopping – click and participate Nações Shopping – click and participate Neumarkt Shopping – click and participate Norte Shopping – click and participate

The promotion invites customers to experience the perfect gift, exploring the stores, enjoying the Christmas attractions, and feeling the unique atmosphere that the season provides. “For us, celebrating Christmas is about creating an environment that enchants our customers and immerses them in the atmosphere of such a special period. We want everyone to find their ‘perfect gift,’ the one that truly makes their heart beat faster. The promotion with BYD electric cars is a way to reciprocate our customers’ affection and make the visiting experience even more unforgettable,” comments Rogério Alves, Marketing and Relationship Director at Almeida Junior.

The most magical date of the year will feature a series of special events at Almeida Junior shopping centers. In addition to the traditional decoration and photo sessions with Santa Claus, children will be able to participate in ‘Coffee with Santa,’ a free and interactive experience that, with prior registration, offers little ones the chance for unique moments alongside the jolly old man in a themed space.

In November, the Christmas Parades will bring parades full of characters and bands playing themed music through the corridors, creating a festive atmosphere. Additionally, the shopping centers will have children’s Christmas workshops, where kids will learn to make decorative objects and gifts, stimulating creativity and the Christmas spirit.

Perfect Gift Campaign

The Christmas campaign, which highlights the chance to win a BYD King hybrid car, will be broadcast in video format, exploring emotional moments of gift exchanges and celebration among families. With an engaging visual narrative, the video will be shown on TV and digital media, conveying the message that the true “perfect gift” goes beyond objects and lies in our loved ones.

About the BYD King

The BYD King, the prize for the Almeida Junior shopping centers’ Christmas promotion, is a sedan that takes sophistication and innovation to the next level, perfect for those seeking elegance with a touch of modernity. With aerodynamic lines and a look that blends the robustness of sedans with the lightness of a coupe, the model impresses. Inside, the spacious and comfortable interior complements the bold design, providing a driving experience that combines cutting-edge technology and style.