Argentina's small and medium-sized retail sector saw sales grow by 2.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by a strong surge in the first months that managed to mitigate the constant decline that began in May. According to a survey by the Confederation of Argentine Medium Enterprises (CAME), in December, retail sales fell by 5.2% year-on-year, but increased by 5.2% compared to the previous month. The sectoral analysis confirms the recent recessionary trend, as six of the seven surveyed sectors ended in the red. The most significant drops were seen in Home & Decoration (-15%), Perfumery (-9.8%), and Textiles & Clothing (-8.5%). CAME stated that December acted as a 'financial relief' thanks to the end-of-year festivities and bonus payments, but it failed to reverse the structural 5.2% fall. Consumption remained restrained, with families prioritizing deals and essential expenses amid persistent lack of purchasing power. Regarding future expectations, the entity noted a cautious optimism: although most project an economic improvement for 2026, investment remains hampered by high costs and low current profitability. The sector's challenge will be to transform this seasonal 'respite' into a genuine and sustained demand revival.
