Father’s Day sales fell 10.2% compared to last year

Father’s Day retail sales fell 10.2% compared to the same date last year, measured at constant prices, and especially impacted the Cosmetics and Perfumery category, which plummeted 37.4% and recorded its worst Father’s Day since the pandemic.

This was reported by the Argentine Confederation of Medium Enterprises (CAME) based on a survey carried out this Saturday and Sunday in 157 businesses throughout the country. The drop in sales did not surprise 71% of merchants, who expected a weak date, although the other 29% sold less than expected.

The average ticket for gifts was $31,574, double that of 2023 but well below year-on-year inflation, which reached 276.4% in the month of May. For merchants, “it didn’t help that the date coincided with a long weekend.”

Although 63% of businesses offered special promotions, it was not enough to boost sales. “There were interest-free installments and good discounts for cash payments, but people were still measured. A highlight of the date were the collective purchases, among several family members, to save,” said CAME.

In the annual comparison, the only increase was registered in Clothing (+11.1%), explained “by the low base of comparison, the existing stock levels and that the prices of the sector are below the average of the economy.” The hardest hit category was Cosmetics and Perfumery (-37.4%).