Category: News

In a scenario where the balance between personal and professional life is becoming increasingly essential, companies around the world are adopting initiatives that promote the well-being of their employees. According to a recent survey by Aon Brasil, 60% of companies have started investing in health and quality of life programs, making it the second most valued benefit after the Covid-19 pandemic period. Attentive to these needs and the importance of a healthy work environment, Almeida Junior, Santa Catarina’s largest shopping center chain, has just launched the Viva Bem AJ program, an initiative that will benefit its 1,000 employees and their dependents.

The Viva Bem AJ program is structured around three fundamental pillars for employee well-being: physical, psychological, and nutritional health. Almeida Junior, in partnership with GoGood, a Santa Catarina company specializing in health and wellness benefits, offers a wide range of services that include access to gyms, psychology and nutrition consultations, and 24-hour medical support. Among the program’s initiatives, the encouragement of regular physical exercise stands out, through discounts ranging from 30% to 70% at over 2,500 gyms affiliated with GoGood throughout Brazil. Additionally, employees and their dependents will have free and unlimited access to telemedicine consultations with psychologists, nutritionists, and general practitioners.

To promote healthy eating habits and a balanced lifestyle, the program also includes educational activities, workshops, lectures, and mindfulness sessions, providing a work environment that values self-care and the comprehensive well-being of its employees.

Innovation and Care for Employees and Their Pets

Recognizing the importance of the family environment and the growing trend of families adopting pets, Almeida Junior also includes in the Viva Bem AJ program access to the premium version of the Budz app, an innovative pet tech that provides a complete care and wellness experience for dogs and cats. With features ranging from training and behavioral management to health management and vaccination records, Budz offers exclusive content on nutrition, behavior, and hygiene. The app, which has 50,000 users, features an AI assistant to answer questions 24 hours a day and, starting in October, will have veterinary telemedicine available.

“It’s the perfect tool for companies that want to stand out in the market and create a more welcoming work environment, where the well-being of employees and their pets is also a priority,” says Jaimes Almeida Neto, partner at Budz.

Appreciation and Strengthening of the Employer Brand

For Beth Rachelle, People and Management Director at Almeida Junior, the Viva Bem AJ Program places people at the center of the company’s growth strategy. “We believe that a healthy, inclusive, and motivating work environment is essential for the success of any organization. By integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles into our internal practices, we demonstrate our genuine commitment to sustainability and care for people,” she states.

Beth emphasizes that Viva Bem AJ goes beyond improving traditional benefits. “This program is an opportunity for us to modernize our benefits, adapting them to the new expectations of our employees and the market. We are aligning our practices with the best global references, with the goal of offering a work environment where each employee feels valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential,” she explains.

Arquipélago Sushi, Forneria Carbone, and Riviera Café also join the mix, highlights that make the tenant mix even more complete

Continente Shopping is investing heavily in the gastronomic segment with a set of new operations that make its mix even more attractive to visitors. Among the highlights are the arrival of Narbona, Arquipélago Sushi, Trattoria Carbone, and Riviera Café, consolidating the mall as a diverse and complete destination for gastronomic experiences, featuring both national and international flavors.

The inauguration of the property’s new gourmet space, Boulevard Continente, welcomes the Uruguayan brand Narbona, which begins operations in December. The brand’s first location in Santa Catarina, the restaurant and wine shop—ideal for lovers of select labels—will arrive at the property at year’s end, with its own in-house ingredient production and an open-architecture concept.

Another novelty is Forneria Carbone, located in the Central Plaza space, which presents authentic Italian cuisine and offers customers an immersion in the traditional flavors of the European country. Arquipélago Sushi distinguishes itself through its proposal to integrate local producers and fishermen, ensuring fresh, quality ingredients for a unique Japanese food experience. The restaurant’s menu explores the best of Japanese and contemporary cuisine. Highlights include the sequences, served only at dinner, with or without sashimi, promising a complete gastronomic experience that harmonizes the chefs’ technique with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Riviera Café, one of the highlights, opens at Continente Shopping in the first half of October, with an exclusive and sophisticated architectural project. This is the first unit of the famous café in the continental region. The establishment offers everything from breakfast to lunch, dinner, and brunch options, in an environment carefully designed to provide moments of reading and work with maximum comfort and elegance.

In addition to the new openings, the mall is undergoing a revitalization of already established operations, such as Bob’s, Divino Fogão, Spoletto, Mini Kalzone, and Hot Dog do Piru, which offer even more comfort and space to visitors. Nationally and internationally prestigious brands, such as KFC, Outback, Madero, and Bacio di Latte, continue to strengthen the gastronomic offer with specialties ranging from meat cuts and generous portions to artisanal Italian gelatos.

News also in fashion, accessories, and perfumery

Continente Shopping is also diversifying its portfolio with new stores in different segments. Recently, it celebrated the opening of Luz da Lua, specializing in women’s shoes and accessories. Anacapri, recognized for its modern bags and shoes, also arrives to enrich the segment’s options. In the jewelry and semi-fine jewelry sector, the new operations of Vício DiPrata and Provin Joias bring the latest trends in sophisticated accessories.

To complement the perfumery segment, the Me.Linda store will open in early November, offering a wide range of hair, body, and makeup products at competitive prices. In September, Raveli Brand Store opens its doors, bringing together prestigious brands such as Tommy, Calvin Klein, Dudalina, and Lacoste. The renowned lingerie brand Hope also returns to the property, expanding intimate apparel options for female customers.

In October, the mall welcomes Lilica e Tigor, a brand dedicated to children’s fashion, with a complete line of clothing, accessories, and footwear for all seasons, valuing each phase of childhood.