Ecuadorian retailers extend Christmas sales to four months

Retailers in Ecuador are extending their Christmas sales season to four months to reduce heavy reliance on December. This trend involves starting promotional activities as early as September, particularly within shopping centers.

The Chamber of Commerce of Guayaquil notes that planning campaigns months in advance, especially for imported goods, helps mitigate risks related to logistics, nationalization times, and transport costs. Early inventory placement also allows businesses to monitor high-demand categories and adjust stock before the peak season.

According to Juan Miguel Jara of Corporación Favorita, early sales typically focus on home decor, gifts, and confectionery. As the season progresses, demand shifts toward Christmas dinner items and fresh products. This extended strategy is also a response to competitive pressure from e-commerce and large retail chains that have expanded their promotional calendars.