CAME reported that SME retail sales at constant prices rose 15% annually in March, thus accumulating a rise of 20.4% in the first quarter of the year. Meanwhile, compared to February they rose 12.8%.
The entity explained that “the start of face-to-face classes at all educational levels boosted clothing and footwear sales, especially when compared to 2021, when the virtual class modality still prevailed.”
The largest year-on-year increases occurred in Footwear and leather goods (+29.8%), Bazaar, decoration, home textiles and furniture (+25%) and the Clothing, lingerie and textiles category (+22.8%).
Food and drinks: sales in March rose 9.9% annually and accumulate an increase of 23% for the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year. In the monthly comparison, sales fell 5.8%.
Bazaar, decoration, home textiles and furniture: Sales in March rose 25% annually and 20.4% monthly, at constant prices. For the first quarter of the year they accumulate an increase of 25%.
Clothing, lingerie and accessories: sales rose 22.8% annually in March and 26.6% monthly.
Footwear and leather goods: In March, sales were 29.8% more than in the same month last year and 43.8% higher than in February (measured at constant prices). For the first quarter of the year they accumulate an increase of 30.8%.
Hardware, electrical materials and construction materials: sales grew 14.1% annually at constant prices in March and 12.8% in the monthly comparison. For the first quarter of the year they accumulate an increase of 18.4%.