Rio de Janeiro retail sector sees net growth of 6,300 stores in 2026

The state of Rio de Janeiro recorded a positive balance of 6,380 new commercial establishments during the first nine months of 2026. According to data from the Board of Trade of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Jucerja), 17,214 businesses were opened while 10,834 were closed during this period.

Retailers identified several challenges impacting the sector, including high operational costs, insecurity, and the rise of e-commerce. Legal experts noted that maintenance expenses such as rent, condominium fees, taxes, and payroll can significantly strain revenue. Additionally, reduced foot traffic in certain areas and diminished consumer purchasing power continue to affect commercial movement.

While closures have intensified since 2019, business openings have consistently outpaced closures in every year analyzed, indicating a highly active market rather than a general decline in the number of establishments.