The Decline in purchasing powercoupled with uncertainty over employment and salaries, continues to hit some of the most visible sectors of the Argentine economy. In the last few months Supermarkets, retail chains and wholesalers accelerated the closure of branches as a way to adapt structures and survive consumption that is not recovering.
The trend goes through leading companies like Vea, Frávega, Easy, Yaguar and Caromarwhich reduced its commercial presence in various parts of the country due to the continued decline in sales and increased operating costs, with the Commercial rents as one of the most determining factors.
Less consumption and more closures: the market diagnosis
Official data supports the adjustment scenario. According to the INDECSales registered in supermarkets a Seasonally adjusted decrease of 0.2% compared to the previous month and accumulate six consecutive months in the red.
The situation is even more complex in the wholesale channel: the organization reported a 5.2% contractionthe worst brand so far in 2025. The industry recognizes that this is accompanied by a deterioration in consumption Fixed costs that increase from month to monthwhich makes many premises unprofitable.
See and simple: the adaptation of Cencosud in Argentina
The Chilean CencosudOwner of See and easyleads the list of companies that have deepened drainage. After giving up competition for Carrefour’s assets in the country, the group accelerated store closures to stem losses.
In the last few months See shutters down in cities like Castelar, Moreno, San Pedro, La Plata, Luján, Bahía Blanca, Catamarca, San Juan, Mendoza and Tucumánwhich was accompanied by layoffs in several of these positions.
From the union side, they explained that in some cases the closure was a reaction persistent operating deficits and rents that were no longer affordable. In San Pedro, for example, the monthly fee should be reduced $18 million to $34 milliona jump that is incompatible with current margins.
In turn, Cencosud closed in early November Simple branch in La Matanzaargues with the low profitability of the business.
Frávega reduces its presence and accumulates debts
The adjustment was also achieved Fravegawhich has come under renewed scrutiny in recent weeks following its confirmation Store closings and a new round of layoffs.
The company has closed its branch Temperley without prior notice to staffa decision added to the closure of another location in parchment. In the industry they assume that something like this will happen lower blinds before the end of the year.
According to records of the Central BankFrávega accumulates debts greater than 145 million dollarswith commitments to companies such as BBVA, Galicia, Patagonia, Comafi, Hipotecario and Credicoop, among others.
Yaguar and Caromar are also adapting
The wholesaler jaguar recently closed its branch White Baywith the loss of some 30 jobs. The union stated that the decision was in response to the sharp decline in sales and logistical problems arising from the deterioration of routes and access in the region.
On his part Caromar triggered a series of unforeseen closures that had a significant impact on employment. In December he lowered the blinds Mar del Plata and San Justowhich resulted in the loss of almost 80 jobs.
Union officials warn that this is a broader process and could close the company at least four more brancheswith Rosario, Burzaco and José C. Paz among the affected locations.
A worrying pattern for 2026
Both industry experts and union representatives agree that the common denominator behind these closures is the same: fewer sales, rising commercial rents and consumption that is not recovering.
The worry is now 2026a year in which, if the decline in purchasing power is not reversed, The adjustment process could deepenwith more branch closures and additional pressure on employment in trade and retail.
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