Grupo Cometa to open Mato Grosso's first free shop

Grupo Cometa, a Brazilian conglomerate with annual revenues of R$ 1.6 billion, is expanding its operations by opening the Pantanal Free Shop in Cáceres, Mato Grosso. Scheduled to inaugurate on October 19, the 590-square-meter land-based duty-free store represents an investment exceeding R$ 10 million and is expected to be the first of its kind in the state.

Founded by Francis Maris Cruz, the group grew from a small auto parts shop in the 1970s into a large enterprise with 1,400 employees operating across 356 municipalities. Its current portfolio includes Honda motorcycles, Hyundai and Volkswagen automobiles, and agribusiness interests in Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia, Amazonas, and Pará.

The new free shop aims to stimulate local tourism by creating synergy between shopping and the Pantanal region's natural attractions, such as boat tours and fishing.