Particle.news
Download on the App Store
16 ARTICLES
·
6d ago

Brazil’s Christmas Eve Rush Lifts Retail Toward Best Season Since 2014

Consumer budgets stayed tight under 15% rates, with record defaults, despite only a 0.1% rise in holiday prices.

Image
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Popular districts such as Saara in Rio and 25 de Março in São Paulo saw heavy last‑minute crowds, and malls reported increased traffic through December 24.
  • The CNC projects R$72.71 billion in holiday sales, up 2.1% from 2024, which would be the strongest Christmas for retailers since 2014, as shopping centers also report gains in visitors and sales.
  • FGV measured a 0.1% year‑over‑year rise in the Christmas basket, with cheaper staples like rice and potatoes offset by higher beef and a roughly 20% jump in imported bacalhau.
  • Consumer caution persisted with the Selic at 15% and more than 80 million people in default, and surveys pointed to lower average tickets after Black Friday pulled some spending forward.
  • Solidarity drives delivered toys and meals across the country — including CUFA’s event in Heliópolis and long‑running efforts in Sorocaba — while both professional and volunteer Papais Noel carried out outreach in malls, hospitals and schools.