The annual rate of sales of commerce in Castilla y León (2.9%) exceeded the national average (2.8%) for the first time this year, according to the ICM corresponding to the month of July, published by the National Institute of Statistics, thanks to the attraction of tourism.
After a spring campaign described as “terrible” For companies associated with the Confederation of Commerce of Castilla y León (CONFERCO), tourism has helped to boost sales. “We depend on customers and in a Community with so many demographic problems, small businesses are languishing,” says Adolfo Sainz, president of the Confederation, who highlights how the increase in the number of visitors, and therefore the population, stimulates consumption.
Thus, in Castile and Leon, tourism has a greater weight in sales, especially in those of companies in urban centers. In relation to this increase, Commercial employment in Castilla y León also increases by 1.7% in the annual cumulative total, in line with the national average.
The sector ends this weekend a very uneven summer sales campaign, both by province and by sector. “The establishments have not met expectations,” says the president of the employers’ association, who recalls that the forecasts were very good because they had a lot of stock after a bad spring that meant that companies had a lot of stock.
“We have matched last year’s campaign,” acknowledges Sainz, who nevertheless believes that sales are slowing down due to “the rise of the basket, mortgages and the cost of living in general, which is causing customers to increasingly look at prices and hesitate when making purchases.
Although the big brands end their sales this weekend, some smaller businesses will extend them into the first few days of September with the latest deals if time permits.
The sales give way to the autumn-winter campaign, which the companies associated with Conferco are starting with positive expectations. Back to school inevitably triggers spending in some areas, although charging holiday expenses to the card could affect consumption.
At the beginning of the course, CONFERO continues to demand the support of the administrations for small businesses and their recognition as strategic for Castilla y León, given its economic and social importance.
