Mexico's retail sector reshapes to meet changing consumer habits

At the Intermoda 85 fashion fair in Guadalajara, Gustavo Prado warned that Mexican consumers now drive 72% of the country's GDP, saying “Resulta que aquí en México el 72% del Producto Interno Bruto es consumo interno.” He urged brands to move away from intuition and use real market data and AI to understand buyers’ income, digital habits and spending contradictions.

A separate retail analysis shows the sector adapting to those demands. Prime corridors such as Polanco command rents of about $37 per m², while smaller proximity stores charge double that of large anchors. Analysts predict a dominant shift toward omnichannel models, with malls converting space into dark stores and micro‑fulfilment hubs to serve last‑mile logistics. Nearshoring and new residential zones are also driving mixed‑use developments and more precise, smaller‑scale expansion.

Both reports suggest Mexican retailers are re‑orienting strategies—leveraging data, embracing omnichannel, and repurposing physical space—to stay competitive in a market where consumer spending underpins the economy.