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.
Ensuring customer supply, adjusting protocols to maintain store operations and supporting suppliers with more frequent payments are all part of the strategies supermarkets are applying in this new business environment.
Maintaining store operations in this scenario of health crisis and the spread of covid-19 is a real challenge for supermarkets in Central America.
Walmart plans to invest $48 million in Guatemala during 2019, of which $25 million will be used to open new stores and remodel existing ones.
According to information provided by representatives of Walmart, the investment projected for this year in the country will double that invested in 2018, since last year the amount disbursed totaled $24 million.
In Costa Rica about 30% of supermarkets are in San Jose, Guatemala, the metropolitan area concentrates 45% of establishments, while in Panama, 32% are in West Panama.
An analysis of the Trade Intelligence area of CentralAmericaData provides interesting results on where they are located, who they are, if they operate independently or if they belong to a chain or business group.
After an investment of $70 million, Walmart has opened a 52,000 square meter distribution center in Costa Rica.
"The building has an area of 52,000 m² and its surface area is equivalent to 67 football fields according to the company, and is located in the industrial complex in Coyol in Alajuela", reported Nacion.com.
According to Julio Quevedo, vice president of logistics at Walmart, Mexico and Central America, the CEDI was planned taking into account the expected growth in the chain in Costa Rica over the next five years, though he could not reveal the figures as the the company is quoted on the Stock Exchange.
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.
From 8 to 10 November, international executives from Walmart will analyse in Costa Rica sourcing strategies for directly purchasing fruit and vegetables from growers.
A press release from Walmart Mexico and Central America states:
From 8 to 10 November, international executives from Walmart will analyze sourcing strategies for buying direct from fruit and vegetable growers, based on the model used in the rest of Central America.
The corporation has begun the process of rebranding all of its supermarkets in the region.
In the next weeks consumers will start seeing the changes, as the corporation announced that the modifications will take place in the short term, while not detailing the specific changes that will be made.
Marco Cuevas, corporate affairs manager at WalMart Guatemala, noted that the company will execute this update in several phases, including brand changes and modifications to the shelves.
The multinational retail company announced they will invest 45% more in 2011 in Central America and Mexico compared to 2010.
The planned investment for 2011 is $ 1.560 million, 45% higher than the $ 1.077 million in 2010, said the president of Wal-Mart Mexico and Central America.
The multinational plans to open 445 new stores, of which 365 will be in Mexico and the rest in Central America.
The retail multinational will execute a regional program called “Planeta Vida” (“Planet Life”).
It includes converting illumination systems at its 350 parking lots across Central America.
The project will be completed in 2012, and could reduce the company’s energy consumption in 50%, reported Elfinancierocr.com. In Costa Rica, the company invested $1 million in this initiative.
Walmart México (Walmex) concluded the purchase of Walmart Central America with a $110 million cash payment.
Walmex also issued 603.9 million shares, which were traded to the former owners of Walmart Central America, who now become Walmex shareholders.
“With the merger, holding company Walmart Stores now owns 68.4% of the shares of its Mexican subsidiary and the rest is owned by minority shareholders”, reported Epa.
For this transaction, Walmex will pay $110 million in cash and issue stock for $593 million.
Wal-Mart Central America is owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (51%) and minority shareholders (49%). It operates 519 stores, 11 distribution centers, and agri-industrial operations in 5 countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica).
With this alliance, Wal-Mart will promote the inclusion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of the region in its international suppliers network.
Under the terms of the agreement it signed with Fecaexca, the Federation of Central American Chambers of Exporters, the company will train SMEs in international commerce and make them part of its business rounds, so they can become Wal-Mart suppliers outside of Central America.
The supermarket chain is plannning to open 22 stores during 2009 in Central America, generating about 1,000 job openings.
The press release published by Siglo 21 on its website states: "In a year when the region's economic environment is showing itself to be extremely challenging, this level of growth and investment demonstrates the company's commitment to the welfare of Central American families, with a greater operating efficiency that will allow it to continue offering the lowest prices to its customers."