The Argentine Chamber of Medium-Sized Enterprises (CAME) reported this evening that consumer spending for the holiday dropped by 1.4 percent compared to the previous year, despite various promotions, special offers, discounts, and installment payment plans. This marks the fifth consecutive year-over-year decline.

In its report, the organization notes that this lackluster commercial performance confirms that consumption remains constrained by tight household budgets.

In this environment, installment financing and promotional offers served as essential tools to mitigate the contraction in retail activity.

The period was characterized—the report adds—by more cautious purchasing, constrained family budgets, and a greater focus on finding affordable products, with discounts and financing options proving crucial to closing sales.

This situation highlights a trend that reflects the challenges the retail sector faces in regaining the momentum of consumer demand.

Declines were recorded in the categories of home appliances and audio/video equipment (-3.6% year-over-year), followed by cosmetics and perfumery (-3.2%), peripheral equipment, accessories, and mobile phones (-3.2%), and footwear and leather goods (-2.2%).

jdt/mh