“Moderately Upbeat” Retail With BlackFriday Fearing Shortages

“We expect that, whether on Black Friday or around Christmas, we will be able to achieve values ​​close to those achieved in 2019, albeit with much less profitability,” AMRR Secretary General Marco said in response. Claudino. Luce.

However, the association recalled that this will greatly affect the annual turnover, given that the sector was closed for three months and four months with restrictions on capacity and hours due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Added to this are rising energy and transportation costs, as well as fixed costs such as rent, which lead to lower margins.

That said, AMRR is “moderately optimistic” about this BlackFriday issue, although it notes that it will account for “less sales and less profit” compared to 2019, albeit “slightly better” than in 2020.

Marco Claudino has also ensured that the sector spares no effort on the safety of customers and employees, believing they can continue to trust the stores despite the online shopping opportunity.

However, this additional option is “far from compensating for the losses incurred”.

According to the Banco de Portugal (BdP) data cited by the association, 44% of companies suffered losses in 2020, which is even higher in the case of retailers and restaurants.

Asked about the semiconductor crisis and the possibility that some products will disappear from shelves this Black Friday, the AMRR general secretary said retailers are “alert and concerned” about these issues.

“The restrictions are real and we are concerned that we may not have all the goods we need,” he concluded.

BlackFriday is usually celebrated the day after the Thanksgiving tradition in the United States, with discounts and opportunities at participating stores. This year’s event will take place on November 26th.

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