This is according to data from the Argentine Confederation of Medium-Sized Enterprises (CAME), which noted that the period was marked by cautious demand focused primarily on everyday, low-value purchases.

  According to the CAME report, the end of consumption peaks associated with August’s commercial and back-to-school events—combined with constraints on disposable income and credit card financing limits—drove the monthly decline.

  The Confederation explains that the onset of spring boosted specific sales—particularly fresh food, cold beverages, ice cream, lightweight clothing, and home repair and painting supplies—but these were insufficient to offset the overall weakness in consumption.

  The CAME observed that families continued to prioritize essential restocking, secondary brands, and cheaper alternatives, while postponing major expenditures such as furniture, comprehensive home renovations, or full wardrobe updates.

  The strongest growth was seen in textiles and clothing, with a 5 percent rise, followed by footwear and leather goods (+3.5 percent); hardware, electrical supplies, and construction materials (+3.3); pharmaceuticals (+1.5); and perfumery (+0.7).

  Conversely, sales of housewares, decor, home textiles, and furniture fell 3.4 percent, while food and beverage sales dropped 3.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

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