Our History
Our story begins with Paul Stricker, a brave Austrian refugee that escaped WW2, by heading to Canada, through a long boat journey. A stop in Portugal, back in 1944, changed his life forever and his entrepreneur spirit did the rest.
After deciding to stay in Portugal to marry a young woman he met on a refugee's camp, his business activity became a story of resilience and innovation.
Entrepreneur by nature, he set up multiple small businesses before opening a store that repaired and sold pens in Coimbra. The small business grew into one of the top promotional stock keepers in Europe, a world reference in the market.
Stricker is, today, a worldwide company, headquartered in Coimbra and is present in more than 100 countries.
Paul Stricker’s resilience and commitment to innovation are still what drives each one of our teams today.
Founded in Coimbra by Paul Stricker.
Founded in Coimbra by Paul Stricker.
Ricardo Stricker becomes CEO. Entry of the company into the advertising market
Ricardo Stricker becomes CEO. Entry of the company into the advertising market
Beginning of procurement and sourcing in the East.
Beginning of procurement and sourcing in the East.
First catalogue is launched.
First catalogue is launched.
Establishment of headquarters in Murtede.
Establishment of headquarters in Murtede.
1st exhibition at Exploreclam, Madrid.
1st exhibition at Exploreclam, Madrid.
Inauguration of the Shanghai office to support the procurement team
Inauguration of the Shanghai office to support the procurement team
Paulo Stricker becomes CEO. Sample warehouse built in Lisbon. 1st exhibition at PSI, Düsseldorf. Start of the internationalization process.
Paulo Stricker becomes CEO. Sample warehouse built in Lisbon. 1st exhibition at PSI, Düsseldorf. Start of the internationalization process.
1st exhibition at CTCO, Lyon.
1st exhibition at CTCO, Lyon.
1st exhibition at Supplier Days, Ütrecht. 1st exhibition at Premium Sourcing, Paris.
1st exhibition at Supplier Days, Ütrecht. 1st exhibition at Premium Sourcing, Paris.
1st exhibition at Remadays, Warsaw. hi!dea brand is launched.
1st exhibition at Remadays, Warsaw. hi!dea brand is launched.
Beginning of the activity in Brazil. Award Star prize by Fyvar. 1st exhibition at Promogift, Madrid, 1st exhibition at TONS (current PPE), Coventry. Creation of commercial units in Paris and Warsaw Integration of printing services
Beginning of the activity in Brazil. Award Star prize by Fyvar. 1st exhibition at Promogift, Madrid, 1st exhibition at TONS (current PPE), Coventry. Creation of commercial units in Paris and Warsaw Integration of printing services
Expansion of the printing house. 1st exhibition at Promotionmässan, Stockholm.
Expansion of the printing house. 1st exhibition at Promotionmässan, Stockholm.
Launch of new website.
Launch of new website.
Award of the Best SME Export Award by NOVO BANCO and Jornal de Negócios. Acquisition of Reda.
Award of the Best SME Export Award by NOVO BANCO and Jornal de Negócios. Acquisition of Reda.
Award of the Entrepreneurship Award 2018 by INSEAD (European Institute of Business Administration)
Award of the Entrepreneurship Award 2018 by INSEAD (European Institute of Business Administration)
Launch of two new brands: ekston® and BRANVE®
Launch of two new brands: ekston® and BRANVE®
The entire Stricker Group integrated into a unique technological platform and subsequent expansion of the Murtede unit, doubling the Production and office area
The entire Stricker Group integrated into a unique technological platform and subsequent expansion of the Murtede unit, doubling the Production and office area
Opening of the market in New Zealand, and South American market beyond Brazil's borders.
Opening of the market in New Zealand, and South American market beyond Brazil's borders.
Start of the partnership with Ach.Brito. Logo redesign. Celebration of 80 years
Start of the partnership with Ach.Brito. Logo redesign. Celebration of 80 years