Reopening of Mercado del Norte delayed by high rent costs

The full reopening of the historic Mercado del Norte in Tucumán, Argentina, has been postponed because local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cannot afford the rental rates demanded by the concessionaire. While the inauguration was originally planned for late September or early October, approximately 20% to 22% of the commercial spaces remain vacant.

Héctor Viñuales, president of the Economic Federation of Tucumán (FET), reported that monthly rents range between 3 and 6 million pesos, a figure that exceeds the cost structures of regional businesses. Due to the inability of local brands to secure these spaces, the largest interior area has been leased to a large Chinese bazaar. The delay is further compounded by difficult financial projections for the beginning of the year.