The SME retail sales rose 17.7% year-on-year in December – at constant prices, against the 13.7% drop in December 2023 – and 4.2% in the seasonally adjusted month-on-month comparison. In any case, 2024 accumulated a decrease of 10% compared to 2023, with 10 months of year-on-year declines and two on the rise (October and December). Only the Textile and clothing sector escaped the negative trend of the year, closing with an increase of 2.9%.
According to the Argentine Confederation of Medium Enterprises (CAME)the commercial movement in December was very intense and remained constant throughout the month. Even after Christmas sales continued strong. Businessmen consulted indicated that this year The Christmas mood extended until the end of the month, which explains the December results well above those obtained for Christmas sales. Also The bank financing options were very supportive.
This arises from the SME Retail Sales Index of the Argentine Confederation of Medium Enterprises (CAME), prepared based on a monthly survey among 1,262 retail businesses in the country, carried out between January 2 and 3, 2025.
SME sales: analysis by sector
In December, the Seven items surveyed recorded year-on-year increases in sales. The greatest increase was detected in Bazaar, decoration, home textiles and furniture (+23.4%), followed by Food and beverages (+21.2%), Footwear and leather goods (+19.6%) and Textile and clothing (+18.9%).
In the accumulated of the year, lPerfumeries (-24.5%) and Pharmacies (-19.9%) had the greatest decrease. Textile and clothing was the only item on the rise (+2.9%).
Food and drinks
Sales rose 21.2% annually in December, at constant prices, and ended the year with a drop of 12%. In the month-on-month comparison they improved 4%. The strong increase in December was influenced by the fact that it is being compared to a very bad year, such as December 2023, marked by aggressive price increases and an annual drop of almost 20% in sales in the sector.
This December the item was marked by stable prices throughout the month, with drops in baked goods, alcoholic beverages and fruits or vegetables, which helped strengthen sales.
Bazaar, decoration, home textiles and furniture
Sales rose 23.4% annually in December, at constant prices, and ended 2024 with a drop of 11.6%. In the month-on-month comparison they grew 7.8%. This month people found good prices, attractive promotions and bought not only as gifts, but also to replace household linen, furniture or decorative improvements.
Footwear and leather goods
Sales grew 19.6% annually in December, at constant prices, and accumulated a drop of 5.2% throughout 2024. In the month-on-month comparison they rose 3.2%.
Pharmacy
Sales rose 10.3% annually in December, at constant prices, but fell 19.9% for the year. In the month-on-month comparison they grew 2.6%. Although the result for the month was good, it was not enough to compensate for the almost 20% annual drop in sales in December of last year.
Perfumery
Sales rose 17.7% annually in December, at constant prices, and have accumulated a drop of 24.5% for the year. In the month-on-month comparison there was an increase of 11.7%.
Hardware, electrical materials and construction materials
Sales rose 12.3% annually in December, at constant prices, and accumulated a drop of 11.2% throughout 2024. In the month-on-month comparison they increased 1.9%.
Textile and clothing
Sales grew 18.9% annually in December, at constant prices, and ended the year with an increase of 2.9%. It was the only sector that grew in 2024. In the month-on-month comparison, sales increased 5.8%.
SME businesses strived to offer the best possible prices to boost sales flow. Bank financing options and promotions launched by locals were very important.
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What companies say: qualitative analysis
The tax burden continued to be the most relevant problem for trade in Decemberconcentrating 67.2% of the responses on the main policies that they would expect from the national government.
Leaving aside the tax issue, the demand for measures that strengthen domestic demand (13% of responses) and bureaucratic simplification (8.2%) stood out. When mentioning the obstacles faced by SMEs, In December, 42.4% suggested a lack of sales.
To alleviate the current situation, the 38.9% of the companies consulted diversified products and another 21.9% reduced their operating costs.
Regarding the ability to comply with the payment of salaries during December, the Food and beverage sector was the one that had the most difficulties in Decemberwith 22% of businesses reporting problems, followed by hardware, electrical materials and construction materials, where 18.7% reported problems. At the opposite extreme, the Perfumery sector was the one that had the least problems, since only 6.5% had difficulties.
Source: Ambito
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