07:17 PM
The business survey registered in the Economic Log of the National Federation of Merchants (Fenalco) showed that The trade continues without raising its head, since in May it completed 17 months with a balance in the red in its sales.
And, although Mother’s Day, the second most important commercial date in the country, was celebrated last month, It was not enough for the sector to improve its performance.
For 81% of the businessmen consulted by the union, their sales were less than or equal to those of a year ago (50% reported similar sales and 31% said they decreased). Only 19% improved.
Regarding expectations, 24% of entrepreneurs believe that their businesses are going to improve, while 76% think that things will be the same or worse in the short term.
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According to Jaime Alberto Cabal, president of Fenalco, although During this celebration there was an uptick in the growth of the fashion cluster, which includes clothing, footwear, leather goods, jewelry and costume jewelry, failed to exceed trade expectations.
“What the Log suggests to us is that Buyers use their credit cards less intensively, despite the reduction in interest rates. “Many consumers look at the immediate future with distrust, fear getting into debt and postpone their credit purchases,” said Cabal.
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The union’s analysis indicated that the national accounts show that in the first quarter The only items of household spending that showed any strength were health services, gas and fuel.
Now, merchants hope that June will show an improvement in sales. For it, They will develop intense advertising and promotion campaigns, seeking to encourage consumers.
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“Faced with this challenging situation, organized commerce will launch an important campaign at the end of the month to boost sales and offer support to the thousands of entrepreneurs who are facing difficult times. An increase in the sale of televisions is anticipated, due to the Copa América,” the union stated.
