‘Most operators’ are beginning to note the slowdown in sales increases as the year approaches its final months, according to ASUTIL’s Jose Luis Donagaray.

 

The Secretary General of Latin American Duty Free Trade Association (ASUTIL) told The Business: “Sales in the first half of the year were quite solid and our figures show that sales until the end of April were up by 13.5%. Some operators noted the beginning of a slowdown in May and June as the Brazilian Real got a bit erratic against the dollar.

 

“Sales performance in July and August varied quite a bit depending on the location of the store, but in September things got back to normal more or less,” he said.

 

[Left: ASUTIL’s Jose Luis Donagaray]

 

Donagaray explained that reactions to these variations have been severe, as he explained: “One of the problems we are seeing is that after several years of growth month on month and quarter against quarter when sales are only stable, or there is a 
one point increase or decrease, people tend to overreact.

 

“My general impression is that this year will still be a growth year with the sales increases in the first two quarters outweighing any small decreases in the second half of the year.”

 

See exclusive interview in the October issue of The Travel Retail Business-Ed.