Overview

• Active formal kiosco registrations fell from 112,000 to 96,000 over the past 12 months, according to UKRA and ARCA data.
• Operators say a prolonged recession has slashed consumer spending and driven shoppers toward cheaper brands.
• NielsenIQ reports average ticket values have fallen 17 percent for beverages, 23 percent for sweets and 11 percent for biscuits.
• Escalating rents and utility bills have squeezed profit margins, making many neighborhood kioscos financially unsustainable.
• Growing informality has led some operators to sell from unregistered home or window fronts, creating tax-evading competition.