Retail closures reported in Neuquén amid falling consumption

Major retail chains are closing branches in the Neuquén province of Argentina due to declining consumer spending and rising operational costs.

Wholesale chain Diarco has closed its branch in Junín de los Andes, marking its fourth closure in less than two months. This follows similar shutdowns in Buenos Aires provinces, including Jáuregui, Zárate, and Tres Arroyos. The company cited a contraction in mass consumption and increasing fixed costs as primary drivers for the reduction of its commercial footprint.

Simultaneously, the supermarket chain Vea announced the closure of its Neuquén capital branch. Employees and union representatives indicate that high rental costs and low sales volumes made the location unsustainable. This marks the ninth branch closure for the company nationwide. Workers, some with up to 25 years of seniority, are currently awaiting formal communication regarding severance payments, as relocation options to other Cencosud-owned branches like Easy or Jumbo remain uncertain.