Christmas Sales Up 3.5% in Brazil, After Inflation

Brazilians shopping at Christmas Brazilian Christmas sales in shopping malls posted real growth (discounting inflation) of 3.5%, according to figures disclosed by the Brazilian Association of Retailers (Alshop). From January to December sales also grew 3.5%.

Among the sectors with the best performance in Christmas sales are perfumery and cosmetics (9%), glasses and accessories (14%), garments and shoes (4%), household appliances (3%) and books, DVDs and CDs (5%). The toy and bag, case, and travel bags and equipment presented reductions of 5% and 4%, respectively.

According to sector figures, in 2008, 21 shopping malls were inaugurated, allowing for 4,647 new shops, generating 46,500 jobs. In all, there are 689 shopping centers in the country, with 85,000 shops. Sector revenues in 2008 reached 70.7 billion reais, 6.4% more than in 2007.

There are also 79 new shopping centers being built, of which 23 should be inaugurated in 2009, with 3,000 new shops and 30,000 new jobs. Sector revenues should reach 74.3 billion reais (US$ 31.3 billion) in 2009. In all, investment should reach 8.3 billion reais (US$ 3.5 billion) over the next two years.

According to the president at Alshop, Nabil Sahyoun, the number of shopping malls should grow in 2009 as they have already started building, but if they could they would put these new constructions on "hold". "As these constructions have already started and should receive investment of around 50 million reais (US$ 21.1 million), they must be concluded as soon as possible."

He explained that when these works are ready the businessmen responsible for building them will seek franchisers and good retailers who need to expand their businesses despite the period of economic crisis.

Sahyoun pointed out that due to the global crisis the sector should downsize, but it is still too early to forecast numbers. According to him, this should become clear in March, as January and February are traditionally important months for shopping centers.

"If our economy is not answering to expectations and our retail shrinks, we will certainly have to downsize." According to him, the sector is heterogeneous and that is why it is not possible to say what sectors should suffer most with the crisis.

ABr

Tags:

You May Also Like

After Brazil’s Air Tragedy Sí£o Paulo Says New Airport Isn’t Priority

A radar failure over the Amazon forced Brazil to turn back or ground a ...

Brazil Amazon Indians Take on Soy Barons Blocking Dam Site

The remote Enawenê Nawê Indians have blockaded the construction site of a hydroelectric dam in ...

Brazilian woman makes laces in cover of book on Renaissance lace

Arabesque: an Arabian Touch on Lace Made in Brazil

They left the Arab countries, passed by Europe and ended up on the hands ...

UN Gives Brazil High Marks for Poverty Fight But a D for Justice

The top UN human rights official, during a three-day visit to Brazil that ended ...

Minas, Brazil: Land of Martyrs and Churches

Tiradentes and Aleijadinho are two Brazilian heroes from the state of Minas Gerais. One ...

Brazil May Have Huge Oil Reserves But Not How to Reach Them

The Brazilian plan to make Brazil one of the world's biggest oil exporters hinges ...

Brazilian Bishop’s Hunger Strike in Defense of River Moves World to Action

After two years of frustrated attempts to establish a dialogue between social movements and ...

‘I Won’t Quarrel with Chavez, He’s My Friend,’ Says Brazil’s Lula

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva admitted Friday, July 6, the existence of ...

For Minister Brazil’s 5.2% GDP Shows a Healthy Economy

Brazil’s Minister of Finance, Antônio Palocci, considered the 5.2% growth in the GDP (Gross ...

Bolivia Will Stop Selling Cheap Gas to Brazil and Argentina

The Bolivian government ratified Tuesday, February 21, its decision to increase the price of natural ...