Argentine consumer spending falls in April across supermarkets, self-service stores, and malls

Argentine consumer spending continued its downward trend in April, with major retail sectors reporting significant sales declines. Supermarkets saw a 3.7% year-on-year drop in sales, accumulating a 3.3% decrease in the first four months of the year. This aligns with broader trends in mass consumption, where basic necessities like food, beverages, and personal care items experienced a 3.8% year-on-year decline, according to consultancy Scentia. While this represents a slight slowdown from March's 5.1% decrease, a sustained recovery remains elusive.

Wholesale self-service stores fared even worse, with sales falling 1.1% month-on-month and 5% year-on-year. They have accumulated a 3.3% sales drop for the year. Shopping centers also reported a bleak April, with sales down 5.9% compared to the same month in 2025 and a 0.8% decrease from March. This brings their year-to-date sales decline to 5.7%.

The data, compiled by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (Indec), indicates a persistent struggle in the Argentine economy, with consumers showing little sign of increased purchasing power or willingness to spend.