2024-09-17 22:13:25
The report highlights that only 24% of retailers experienced an increase in their sales volumes during August 2024.
Huila Daily – Economy (National)
A recent survey conducted by the National Federation of Merchants (Fenalco) has revealed that the majority of merchants in Colombia continue to face serious difficulties with their sales. According to the results of the study, 76% of respondents indicated that their sales decreased compared to the same period last year, which has generated growing concern in the sector.
The report also highlights that only 24% of merchants experienced an increase in their sales volumes during August 2024, which shows a discouraging outlook for trade in the country. “This situation clearly shows that the performance of the economy was well below expectations,” said Jaime Alberto Cabal, president of Fenalco.
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Among the most affected sectors is the fashion cluster, which includes clothing, accessories, footwear, leather goods and jewellery, according to the survey. In addition, a decrease in the number of units per purchase is observed, accompanied by a greater preference for own brands or low-cost brands. In the food sector, retailers have reported a constant drop in sales volumes over the course of the year.
Beauty and personal care
Despite the situation, the beauty and personal care sector stood out for its good sales performance, which has been a small respite in the midst of the general crisis. However, the general outlook for the coming months remains bleak.
Economic and political uncertainty, coupled with the recent presentation of a new Tax Reform by the Government, has generated greater concern among merchants. According to the Fenalco survey, 74% of respondents believe that, in the next six months, the sales situation will remain the same or even tend to worsen.
In addition, 83% of merchants said they were unable to meet the sales plans projected at the beginning of the year. “The results of Fenalco’s financial log show that sales did not take off as we expected, and the outlook for the rest of the year is not very optimistic,” concluded Cabal.
This call to attention reflects the urgent need to implement economic recovery strategies that boost consumption, thus allowing merchants to overcome current difficulties and face the challenges that lie ahead.
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