In the first quarter of the year, consumers were no longer interested in this type of clothing, but since April, in the digital environment, interactions associated with children's clothing have been on the rise in all markets in the region.
Through a system that monitors in real time the changes in the interests and preferences of consumers in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for the different products, sectors and markets that operate in the region.
For the next few months, it is estimated that in the Guatemalan market, sales of men's pants will decrease by about 5% from the levels reported prior to the change in the business scenario.
In Central America, nearly 4 million people are looking to buy baby and children's products online, and 5% of these consumers are exploring options for purchasing baby food.
The interactive information system developed by CentralAmericaData, monitors in real time the changes in consumer habits in all markets of the region, with fundamental information to understand the new commercial environment that has emerged in an accelerated manner.
In Costa Rica, 31% of the population shows interest in jewelry, and about 72% of them are between 21 and 45 years old, and have a high level of purchasing power.
An analysis of consumer interests and preferences in Costa Rica, prepared by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData, yields interesting results on the characteristics and people who express interest in clothing and accessories.
On November 5, a 37.9% tariff was charged on imports of clothing when its declared FOB price is less than or equal to $20, which affects businessmen in the Colon Free Zone in Panama.
Decree No. 1416 of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, dated August 6, 2019 and which has just come into force, states in its Article 1 that "... a tariff of 37.9% on imports of products classified in Chapters 61 and 62 of the National Customs Tariff, when the declared FOB price is less than or equal to US$20 per kilogram gross."
The Colombian company Patprimo invested in the opening of two stores located in Curridabat and Escazú, with an estimated investment of around $800 thousand.
The South American company reported that the investment in the operation of the premises in Multiplaza Curridabat and Multiplaza Escazú totaled $800,000, and will sell clothing such as dresses, shoes, accessories, jeans, blouses, casual clothing and underwear, among other items.
The owners of the Runway, NK Collection and Todo Jeans stores opened their first point of sale in a shopping mall in Santa Ana, and plan to open more in the coming years.
The Nicaraguan company opened its first women's clothing store, Runway Costa Rica, in the Santa Ana Town Center, and required over $200,000 in investment.
Imports of garments and clothing accessories reached $332 million during the first three months of the year, 3% more than what was reported in the same period in 2017.
Figures from the information system of the Central American Clothing and Clothing Accessories Market, from the Trade Intelligence Area of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
Last year Central America imported $1.467 billion worth of clothing and clothing accessories, the highest value in the last six years, registering a 15% increase compared to 2016.
Figures from the information system on the Market for Apparel and Clothing Accessories in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]