Looking ahead to next year, Juan Fernando Correa, general manager of the supermarket chain Tottus, stated that they are in the process of putting together a strategic plan for 2015, when there will be fewer openings, most of them by shopping centres, although the opening of individual stores has not been discarded.
"For now, I think there will be fewer new stores, but it will all depend on how things continue; there are factors that can create opportunities and we can then push forward and be less conservative," he pointed out.
Shortly before opening its new stores in Huanuco and Cajamarca, the supermarket chain Tottus expects to close the year with a growth of over 10% within the context of moderate consumer growth that has marked the past few months.
"People have not stopped consuming, but sales are slower than in previous years; in our case, we continue growing at the same pace as the economy, although not as quickly as in previous years," he said.
Regarding formats, he said that it would be ideal to open more hypermarkets to be able to supply a more comprehensive range, but it all comes down to the room available.
Within shopping centres
The executive explained that they often prefer to set up stores within shopping centres, as they can then access attractive areas which often entail excessively high costs. "Although the economy has stabilised, there are still places where prices are high," he affirms.
Regarding plans for 2015, Correa said they would take part in a project in South Lima and in MegaPlaza in Huaraz. Towards the end of 2014, the supermarket in Falabella expects to maintain a growth of between 14% and 16% compared to last year.
The chain will close the year with a total of 48 stores nationwide.
