Valle del Cauca Mourns Death of Almacenes Sí Co-Founder Samir Daccach at 97
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Samir Nasry Daccach, a prominent businessman and co-founder of the Almacenes Sí retail chain, has died at the age of 97 in Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
- Almacenes Sí, a significant textile and home goods retailer in southwestern Colombia, will close all its stores on Tuesday, July 21, in tribute to Daccach's legacy.
- Daccach was recognized for his role in generating employment and driving business growth in the region over six decades, significantly impacting Cali's socioeconomic development.
The business community in Colombia's Valle del Cauca region is mourning the death of Samir Nasry Daccach, a distinguished entrepreneur and co-founder of the well-known Almacenes Sí retail chain. Daccach passed away at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of job creation and business development that significantly shaped the region's economic landscape.
Almacenes Sí, a company deeply embedded in the textile and commercial fabric of southwestern Colombia, announced that all its stores would remain closed on Tuesday, July 21. This closure serves as a tribute to Daccach's extensive career, spanning over six decades, during which he guided the business from its inception in the 1960s to become a leading name in apparel, fabrics, and home furnishings for generations of families.
Beyond his commercial achievements with Almacenes Sí, Daccach was a key figure in the Daccach Hermanos business group, which also owned Sí Hotels and an import agency. His influence extended to the socioeconomic development of Cali, where his organization created thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Notably, the company prioritized employment opportunities for single mothers, highlighting Daccach's commitment to social impact.
Local figures, including sports journalist Mario Alfonso Escobar, fondly remembered Daccach's personal qualities, describing him as a man of great character. Escobar also highlighted Daccach's passion for the local soccer team, Deportivo Cali, and his close friendship with the club's historic director, Alex Gorayeb. Funeral services for the entrepreneur began with a wake in Cali.
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.