Day two at ASUTIL forecasts bright future for Latin America

John Gallagher

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Although the Latin American economy is set to slow and the next few years will be challenging, the long-term forecast is bright for the region

An extensive look at the economic situation in Latin America with Argentine economist Carlos Melconian marked the start of day two at the Asociacion Sudamericana de Tiendas Libres (ASUTIL) conference in Lima. Melconian’s message indicated that the growth of the last few years will slow down and the neutral economic situation could lead to political changes that will dictate the short- and medium-term future of the region. The next few years will be challenging although the long term future is bright.

Dufry South America’s COO Jose Carlos Rosa was replaced at the last minute by company airport retail manager, Pedro Henrique Custodio, who explained the reasoning behind the renovations in the Sao Paolo departures store and the introduction of a new walkthrough layout. This along with other renovations had led to increases in store passenger penetration, average sales and total sales.

InterBaires commercial director Daniel Ibarra took to the stage to explain how technology was used to increase average sales per passenger at the company’s outlets. Ibarra said that research indicated that the “active shopper” only spent 60 seconds more in stores than the "non shopper". The extra 60 seconds allowed the cashier to offer additional promotions to the active shopper that lead to important increases in average sales receipts. The correct use of technology in store and sharing information with suppliers was, according to Ibarra, crucial to the sales growth of InterBaires over the last few years

The two closing presentations addressed developments at airports used by ASUTIL duty-free operators. Lima Airport Partners commercial director Jan Laufs informed delegates of expansion plans at the Peruvian capitals airport and Aldeasa’s international director Daniel Montero explained the company’s development at Madrid Barajas terminal four and endeavoured to apply the lessons learned at other airports in the Americas. Montero also reviewed the restrictions affecting liquids, aerosols and gels and new tobacco legislation in Chile and Curacao.