Lisbon and Porto are the two leading commercial and distribution centers. Larger retail stores, shopping malls, and hypermarkets have become well-established in many areas. Franchising has also gained ground, particularly in the clothing and fast-food markets. Direct marketing through television and mail order sales has grown considerably over the past few years. The most common advertising media are newspapers and outdoor billboards; movie theaters also carry advertisements.
The usual business hours are from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 3 to 7 PM , Monday through Friday, with a half-day on Saturday; some firms close on Saturday. Banking hours are 8:30 AM to 12 noon and 1 to 2:30 PM , Monday through Friday. An increasing number of shopping centers in urban areas have more flexible hours
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