Filipa and Leonor Pinto Basto are sisters, architects by training, and the current owners of Armazém dos Linhos, an iconic space with over a century of history that continues to captivate generations of Porto locals and visitors. With its striking architecture and an interior brimming with fabrics, the store offers a true journey through time. When they acquired the shop, Filipa and Leonor decided to preserve its essence while injecting it with fresh vitality.

"I first fell in love with the space," recalls Filipa. "When I used to visit it to buy fabrics, I felt it had so much potential, and it was a shame to see it close. I wanted to preserve this legacy while giving it new life," she explains. "That's when we realized this could be much more than a fabric-by-the-meter shop. We began creating home products like tablecloths, napkins, and more. We ventured into pajamas, bags, and found even more ways to make use of the fabrics," Leonor adds.

During Christmas, Armazém dos Linhos becomes a prime destination for those seeking unique and personalized gifts. This year, the shop window will feature chitas de Alcobaça, which, according to Leonor, "are a classic that transport us to childhood memories and Portuguese tradition." The Shangri-La pattern, with its oriental aesthetic, is a favorite for the season. "It has a Christmas touch and makes stunning table settings," she explains, viewing chitas as a way to revive the past in contemporary combinations.

The sisters share a passion for creating themed window displays, such as the patchwork design that earned them the "Most Sustainable Display" award in the Porto City Council competition. "It was a lengthy process; we had to sew, stuff, but every detail was worth it." This shop not only offers customers unique fabrics but also provides support and creativity for their projects.

The relationship with customers is very close and often emotional. “We have clients who cry when they find out we’re moving locations; it’s very moving,” shares Filipa. The store also plays an active role in designing exclusive pieces for clients, from blankets to cushions or even personalized trousseaus. “I love the creative part of visualizing a project and advising the customer,” says Leonor. “Many come in not knowing exactly what they want, and we help them combine fabrics—often in unexpected ways—and create unique pieces.”

With the future still uncertain due to the relocation, the sisters plan to stay in the heart of Porto, championing traditional commerce. “Porto is our home, and we will do everything to stay here, even if it means swimming against the tide,” Leonor emphasizes.

At Casa Januário, tradition is taken seriously and preserved as much as possible. Founded by the grandfather of the current owners, Teresa and Nuno Torgal, the shop retains its essence as a fine grocery store, where the aroma of roasted coffee at the entrance immediately transports visitors to another time. “We strive to continue the tradition of our grandfather Januário; we still grind coffee using the same mills. He was always connected to his customers, the typical grocer who loved being behind the counter, getting to know people, and personally serving them. Some employees are still from that era and remember him well, as well as the older clients,” shares Teresa, emphasizing that this close relationship is what makes Casa Januário special.

“At Christmas, we always thrive. Customers come for codfish, hampers, and wines. It’s a tradition that endures,” notes Nuno.

Among the most sought-after Christmas products is the bolo-rei kit, an ideal gift for families who want to experience making this iconic festive cake at home. “We created the kit so families could bake the cake together and enjoy that moment,” explains Teresa, adding that it’s “a big hit” with their customers, especially the younger ones. “Children love being part of the holiday preparations.”

“There are customers who bring their children here ‘for the tradition,’ to show them the chocolates they used to eat at their age. This connection between generations is what keeps traditional commerce alive—it’s all about people’s memories and flavors from the past,” adds Nuno. When Teresa and Nuno were children, “the shop was like a giant toy and a treasure trove of good things.”

During Christmas, the shop is meticulously decorated to create a warm and festive atmosphere. “My sister is the one who takes care of the window displays, along with Rosa, one of our longest-serving employees, always with great dedication and creativity. It’s something that excites them, and that enthusiasm shows in the decorations,” says Nuno with a smile. Casa Januário transforms into a space filled with memories, where customers find everything they need for their Christmas feast—from wines to cheeses, and even personalized hampers that blend authentic and regional flavors.

Founded in 1939 during World War II, Casa Chinesa is one of Porto's oldest and most respected fine grocery stores. Originally specializing in imported goods from the East, such as tea and spices, the shop remains a go-to destination for those seeking authentic and rare flavors, as well as bulk purchases. Daniel Moreira, the manager for the past five years, describes Casa Chinesa as “a traditional shop that endures over time,” despite the challenges facing the sector. “Customers often tell us, ‘Don’t let this place close; it’s essential for the city,’ and that gives us the motivation to keep going,” says Daniel with a touch of apprehension.

At Christmas, Casa Chinesa becomes a meeting point for those looking for seasonal staples like dried fruits, codfish, and wines. “At this time of year, codfish is one of the most sought-after items, especially because it’s at its perfect stage of maturation,” he explains. The store also prepares Christmas hampers filled with traditional products such as jams, Port wine, and candied fruits, making them an excellent gift option. “Many companies place orders for hampers to give to employees, and regular customers also enjoy taking a hamper to share with their families,” he adds.

Casa Chinesa also stands out for the tastings it organizes on-site in partnership with local producers. “Tourists are enchanted by our products, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how excited they get about Portuguese flavors,” says Daniel, referring to the tasting sessions that include explanations about the history and origins of the products.

With a storefront that evokes times gone by and a diverse selection of products showcasing Portugal’s rich gastronomy, Casa Chinesa is a place where the past and present converge—a true celebration of traditional commerce and the authenticity of Porto.

The shop in Rua do Almada, the brand's oldest, is a landmark in Porto, where caramelised almonds are still produced in the traditional way. ‘Everything used to be made here: chocolates, pastries, almonds, and the offices were above,’ says Francisco. Although Arcádia has expanded to 45 shops and new factories in Gaia, this historic shop remains a place where traditions are kept alive. ‘We have certified artisan production. For chocolates, almonds and some pastries, we use methods that we haven't changed, such as the liqueur dragees, made using the same technique that my great-grandfather brought back from Paris in the 1940s,’ he reveals, emphasising the importance of preserving what makes the brand unique.

During the Christmas season, Arcádia offers a wide range of products, including assorted chocolates and caramelised almonds. This year, they are launching a new line of hampers and an advent calendar. “We want to innovate, but without losing the artisanal and traditional essence that defines Arcádia,” he asserts.

Arcádia is also a symbol of the resilience of high street commerce. “It’s important for people to come to the city centre and support traditional shops. If they don’t, many stores like ours may disappear,” warns Francisco, who also highlights Arcádia’s role as a space that preserves “authenticity and emotional connections” with its customers. For him, the greatest satisfaction is seeing customers return to the shop year after year, seeking products that are part of their family traditions. “It’s rewarding to know that our chocolates have been a part of families for generations.” With the launch of the new filled línguas de gato, Arcádia reaffirms its commitment to innovation while always preserving the artisanal touch that sets it apart.