Tío Mario, historic Buenos Aires toy store, closes after 30 years

Tío Mario, a historic toy store in Buenos Aires, has permanently closed its doors after nearly 30 years of operation. The business announced its definitive cessation through social media, offering a total liquidation of its remaining stock with various discounts and promotions.

The closure highlights broader economic challenges facing the Argentine toy sector. According to the Cámara Argentina de la Industria del Juguete (CAIJ), the industry is struggling with a decline in consumption, rising fixed costs such as rent, and intense competition from cheaper imported goods. CAIJ data indicates that sales in the sector fell by 10% during the first half of the year.

Industry representatives noted that approximately 90% of imported toys originate from China, though products from countries like Vietnam have also begun to enter the market. This influx of low-cost imports, combined with rising labor and operational costs, has placed significant pressure on local retailers and manufacturers, leading to numerous neighborhood toy store closures.