In Mendoza, supermarkets are facing a significant decline in sales, recording a 9% drop in revenue due to ongoing inflation. This downturn highlights the struggles of families amid rising living costs and increasing debt.
Overview of Supermarket Sales in Mendoza
Data released from Mendoza’s supermarkets reveals alarming trends. In February 2026, total revenue reached approximately $108.2 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 24.1%. However, this surge in sales is overshadowed by the regional inflation rate, which reached 3.4% monthly, thus severely impacting local purchasing power.
Inflation Impact and Consumer Vulnerability
The Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INDEC) reports that inflation in the Cuyo region, including Mendoza, is rising faster than the national average. In February, inflation in Mendoza was notably higher than the overall national increase of 2.9%. The accumulated inflation for the first two months of 2026 stands at 6.5%, exceeding the national average of 5.9%.
- February Revenue: $108.2 million
- Year-over-Year Sales Growth: 24.1%
- Regional Inflation Rate: 3.4%
- Accumulated Inflation: 6.5% (January-February)
Rising Expenses for Households
The increase in living costs is most visible in housing and basic needs. Notable monthly price hikes include:
- Housing, water, electricity, and gas: 10.9%
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 4.3%
These increases are contributing to the financial strain faced by families in Mendoza. The average shopping ticket now stands at $35,329, only slightly above the national average of $35,058.
The Debt Crisis in Mendoza
As consumption dips, the rate of debt among households rises sharply. In February 2026, the delinquency rate among families reached an alarming 11.2%, marking a two-decade high. This figure represents a significant increase from the previous year, where delinquency was only 2.7%.
- Family Delinquency Rate: 11.2%
- Historical Comparison: Up from 2.7% last year
In contrast, business delinquencies remain relatively low at around 2.9%. The financial struggles are increasingly severe, with one in four Argentines reportedly unable to meet their debt obligations.
Supermarkets’ Operational Efficiency
Mendoza hosts 169 supermarkets, covering a total area of over 254,000 square meters. The average sales per square meter amount to approximately $425,632, indicating effective utilization of retail space in the province.
Financing Trends and Consumer Spending
As families grapple with soaring prices, credit card usage has become prevalent. Credit cards account for 43.6% of purchase transactions, significantly outpacing cash and debit card options. This trend underscores the reliance on credit to absorb the costs of basic needs amidst inflation.
In summary, Mendoza’s supermarkets are experiencing a complex scenario of rising nominal sales juxtaposed with declining real income. With inflation continuing to impact household budgets, the challenges facing families and retailers alike are likely to worsen.
