In the region, it is estimated that more than 4 million people show interest in the digital environment for supermarkets, being Walmart, Pricesmart, Paiz, La Torre, La Colonia and Super Selectos, some of the chains that have better positioned in the minds of consumers.
An analysis of the interests and preferences of consumers in Central America, prepared by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, gives interesting results on the preferences and tastes of people in various products, services, store chains, brands and activities.
Authorities in Costa Rica confirmed their judgment against Walmart's request to buy the supermarket chain Gessa, ending the case through administrative channels.
At the beginning of December 2018, the Commission for the Promotion of Competition (Coprocom) denied Walmart the request to purchase the Gessa group. Days later, the two companies involved in the transaction filed two appeals to overturn the decision.
In response to the brake placed by the Commission for the Promotion of Competition on the purchase of Gessa by Walmart, in Costa Rica both companies presented two independent appeals that seek to revoke the blockade of the transaction.
Last week, the Commission for the Promotion of Competition (Coprocom) denied Walmart the purchase request of the supermarket group Gessa, and just days later, on December 10th, the two companies participating in the transaction filed two appeals to overturn the judgment.
Considering the advantages offered by the Trade Promotion Agreement, U.S. retail chains are evaluating the possibility of setting up operations in the canal country.
Among the factors attracting the attention of these companies are the presence a large number of American and Canadian retirees in the country, economic growth and the benefits of the Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) in force with the United States (U.S. ).
In Costa Rica, Megasuper, Walmart and AutoMercado are preparing to open more stores in the capital and surrounding areas.
Megasuper is to open three new stores in the capital with an investment of $30 million and the creation of 100 new jobs, said Walter Vega, general manager of the company.
Meanwhile, Walmart plans to invest $67 million in a new distribution center in Coyol, Alajuela, said Yolanda Fernandez, manager of corporate affairs for the firm, reported Nacion.com. This is added to the $5 million that went on the opening of the 28th branch of Mas x Menos in the country, in the canton of La Union.
The Mexican and Central America division of the retail giant plans to invest almost $1.5 billion in the six countries of their jurisdiction, adding over 400 stores to the chain.
Mexican and Central America Walmart has with ambitious plans for 2012. With an investment of $1.4 billion, it aims to open 410 to 436 new stores in its geographical area of coverage (6 countries), generating 25,000 direct jobs and 52,000 indirect ones via building construction. The giant aims to increase its sales by 12% in Mexico and 9% in the 5 Central American countries.
Strategies and new low price offers are being prepared before the arrival of the Walmart name in the country.
The fight to win customers in an increasingly aggressive market has been reinvigorated in recent weeks, since the retailer Walmart decided to change the name of its supermarkets from Hipermás to Walmart.
This release was accompanied by reductions in prices for 4000 products, according to company representatives.
Convenience stores, grocery stores and small suppliers are planning to add new services in order to keep customers from heading over to the competition from large chain stores.
Walmart and Megasuper Corporation’s announcement that they are to open small shops is forcing small suppliers and convenience stores to diversify their ranges and expand their services.
Wallmart and Megasuper corporation are betting on gaining convenience store customer's with the opening of stores of no more than 200 square meters.
Megasuper has operated since last September an outlet in San Francisco de Tres Rios, San Jose, which is only 250 square meters, compared to the traditional format of 1,000 square meters.
Commercial Vice President Walter Vega of Megasuper Corporation told Nacion.com that this new format would compete with traditional grocery stores and convenience stores.
In 2010 the supermarket chain plans to open 30 business units in Central America.
Eduardo Solórzano, Wal-Mart’s new president and CEO for Latin America, explained that the investment plan comprises 26 discount stores, two warehouses and two supermarkets.
From Laprensa.com.ni: “Solórzano remarked that in addition to opening new stores, Wal-Mart will continue buying textile products from Nicaragua and Guatemala, and agricultural ones from Costa Rica, for example, to sell them in its stores in the United States and other countries”.
The supermarket chain plans to expand its presence in the Central American countries where it already operates and not to expand itself to new markets.
In the coming years, Wal-Mart Central America will open 50 locations distributed throughout Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. The new supermarkets will create some 8,000 jobs in the region.
The opening of the fourth Wal-Mart pharmacy in the country will be held on March 30 at the Maxibodega supermarket.
According to El Financiero of Costa Rica, Yolanda Fernandez, manager of corporate affairs for the company, said that "the new facility will sell all types of medicine, injections, blood pressure control and vaccinations."
The article also indicated that Wal-Mart is not doing the registration of its Medi-Mart brand with the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica.