Argentina ends the year with a wave of foreign brand openings in the country's main shopping malls, which, driven by trade liberalization, lower import tariffs, and the normalization of the foreign exchange market, marks a radical contrast with the closures and exodus of companies that characterized the Kirchnerist cycle. Shopping centers—currently undergoing a transformation to increase visitor flow—are once again attracting investments that for years were blocked by regulations and controls.
The sector is celebrating a condition that seemed impossible just a few years ago: importing without obstacles, with lower tariffs and a stable dollar. Among the most notable developments is the expansion of Victoria’s Secret, which this Saturday is opening its largest store in the country at Alto Palermo: 400 square meters (4,306 square feet) and more than 3,000 products, matching the local offering to that of U.S. stores. The arrival comes after openings in Unicenter and Galerías Pacífico, all led by Grupo David.
The luxury scene is not lagging behind. Adolfo Domínguez returned to the country with a two-story store in Patio Bullrich after years of absence, driven by 64% growth in Latin America. Its Retail Director, Anabel Rúa, highlighted that Buenos Aires is “a mature market, with a clientele that values the brand,” noting that the reopening was the result of a thorough analysis that confirmed the potential of the Argentine market.
