The retail giants announced the closure of 750 stores, which could result in 35,000 layoffs. Among the companies in crisis are Americanas, Dia, Marisa, Carrefour and Casas Bahia.
With the closure of hundreds of Dia chain stores, for example, at least 3,500 people could lose their jobs. Currently with 5,500 employees, the company is expected to retain only 2,000 after its restructuring. Almost 350 stores will be affected.
Carrefour, with a loss of R$565 millionwill close 123 establishments, including hypermarkets and Todo Dia chain stores. Brazilian Society of Retail and Consumption (SBVC) is that at least 12,500 people will be laid off.
Marisa and Americanas accentuate the retail crisis
Another major retailer in financial crisis is Marisa, focused on fashion and accessories. In 2023, for example, the company closed 91 stores. More than 2 thousand employees are expected to lose their jobs.
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Americanas has also faced problems, which resulted in the dismissal of thousands of workers. At least 152 stores have been closed in recent months, and, between January 2023 and January 2024, the number of workers laid off exceeded 7,000.
Casas Bahia is another giant going through a crisis. Between December 2022 and December 2023, the company laid off 8,600 people. The company informs that it has closed points of sale that are in deficit or have negative margins.
Analysis of closing cases
In the opinion of the president of SBVC, Eduardo Terra, the reasons that led to the closure of so many stores vary. Over the past few years, companies have suffered from the pandemic, the rise of inflation and the restriction on credit due to the increase in interest rates.
To the Metrópoles portal, Terra said that the common enemy of large retail chains is the growth of the “wholesale” model in the country. The latter mixes wholesale and retail in a single store.
Not by chance, Carrefour, although it announced the closure of 123 establishments, also announced the opening of ten to 12 new Atacadão stores and between seven and nine Sam’s Club stores in the country.
Read also: “The past does not pass”, article by Carlo Cauti published in Edition 208 of Revista Oeste
