Wholesale supermarkets launch a week of discounts to stimulate consumption

In a context of depressed consumer spending and with the aim of boosting sales, more than 200 wholesale supermarkets will launch "National Wholesale Black Week" between May 19 and 25, a week of promotions on basic necessities that will include discounts of up to 40% .

The initiative, promoted by the Argentine Chamber of Distributors and Wholesale Self-Service Stores ( CADAM ), will also allow retail purchases, with the aim of attracting both individual consumers and small merchants.

The measure comes after months of decline in mass consumption. According to data from the consulting firm Scentia, March saw a year-over-year drop of 5.4%, although the wholesale channel showed a slight rebound of 0.3%. The expectation now is to capitalize on this recovery with promotions that will boost sales again.

Among the chains that have already confirmed their participation are Maxiconsumo, Nini Mayorista, and Makro, recently acquired by the Cencosud group. The event will cover food, beverages, hygiene products, perfumes, and cleaning products.

The launch of "Black Week" comes in parallel with negotiations over price increases between supermarkets, consumer goods companies, and the government, following the end of the "cepo" (tax controls). The wholesale sector insisted that tax pressure remains one of the main factors driving up product prices.

During a recent meeting with Fernando Blanco Muiño , Undersecretary of Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, business leaders called for a reform that would reduce taxes such as Gross Income Tax and other "hidden" charges that impact final prices.

In this context, they highlighted the elimination of mandatory contributions such as INACAP, promoted by Minister Federico Sturzenegger and Representative Marcela Pagano , as a positive sign for improving competitiveness in the sector.

Cadam explained that the event seeks to reach both low-income consumers, who tend to buy their supplies from wholesalers, and retailers who need to restock at more affordable prices.

"The idea is that the entire traditional retail chain, from manufacturers to consumers, will benefit," said Juan Castro , president of the organization. The goal is to sustain the incipient recovery in March and counteract the widespread decline in consumption that continues to affect activity.