The small shop, just off the popular Yellow Street in the Visconde da Luz commercial centre, has been opened by an Australian who hopes to help bring more ‘made, designed or inspired in Portugal’ products back to the local shopping scene.

“Portugal is a creative country but often these creative enterprises are a one person passion project and it can be difficult for them to find or afford somewhere to sell their creations,” said Kirsty Boazman who is behind the pop up.

In 2023 there were just over 390,000 micro or small businesses in Portugal and in 2024 this sector continued to lead employment and real value growth in the national economy.

A Nova Vida is big enough for three artisans to display and sell their products, and it is offered on a one month rental basis so there is no long term rental committment to a shop lease - which can often financially cripple a start up or small enterprise.

“This is a not-for-profit venture for me, in the hope of supporting more local creators realise their ambitions of selling their designs or ideas to a broader market, so that tourists can go home with ‘Made in Portugal’ in their bags,” said Kirsty.

Currently featuring the seaside-inspired necklaces of local jewellery maker and former teacher Teresa Lemos, A Nova Vida is also Cascais’s first consignment store for quality second-hand clothing.

“Second hand stores are a mainstream and booming business in many countries, something travellers often seek out, and I suspect there are some magnificent wardrobes in the greater Cascais region which could be given a new life at A Nova Vida,” she said.

Anyone interested in buying or selling quality 2nd hand clothing should message 911 82 6971 or visit the shop at 150 Rua do Poço Novo, Cascais.