Sales of SMEs continue to recover and grew 10.5% year-on-year in March

According to data from the Argentine Confederation of Medium Enterprises (CAME), retail sales for SMEs grew a solid 10.5% year-on-year in March, at constant prices. Additionally, in the seasonally adjusted monthly comparison, there was also an improvement, with a 0.1% increase compared to February.

This growth consolidates a positive first quarter, with a cumulative increase of 19.4%, generating enthusiasm and expectation in the commercial sector, which already notices the economic recovery achieved by the Government of Javier Milei.

Among the factors that boosted activity were the successful close of the summer season, the start of the school year, and various smart commercial actions, such as discounts, interest-free installments, and special promotions on key dates.

In all sectors surveyed by CAME, improvements were observed, marking a widespread advance in SME commerce. Among them, Perfumery led the growth with a remarkable 23.6%, followed by Pharmacy with 16.8% and Food and Beverages with 13.7%. This last sector also showed a solid performance so far this year, with a cumulative increase of 25.3% in the first quarter.

Seasonal sectors also took advantage of the favorable context, especially those linked to the return to classes, which managed to capitalize on demand with attractive offers, a variety of products, and excellent customer service.

CAME emphasized the importance of sales strategies adapted to each locality. Businesses that offered affordable prices, their own promotions, and a good shopping experience managed to stay active and attract new customers. The use of financed payment methods, such as interest-free installments, was key to expanding the reach of consumption.

Despite the structural challenges that still persist, retail shows renewed confidence. According to CAME, many merchants project an improvement looking ahead, highlighting the value of maintaining promotions, strengthening the bond with consumers, and leveraging digital tools to expand their reach and operational efficiency.

From the business entity, it was highlighted that the adaptability of SMEs will be one of the essential pillars to consolidate recovery throughout 2025.