With a view to repeating the success stories they have had in previous years and generating spaces that allow them to increase their sales and boost Bogotá’s commerce, the Secretariat of Economic Development and the National Federation of Merchants announced that during the celebration of Love and Friendship that next weekend, a new edition of ‘Bogotá Despierta’ will take place.
Juan Esteban Orrego, director of Fenalco Bogotá, explained that this decision was made taking into account that Saturday, September 21st is the day of Love and Friendship, the fourth most important commercial date of the year after Christmas, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Which represents an increase in sales of more than 30% compared to a normal weekend.
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“According to our surveys, 75% of the city’s inhabitants celebrate this date, in which games like Secret Santa also represent a great opportunity for commerce, which offers plans and products for all budgets,” stressed the union spokesperson, who also took the opportunity to remind people that at this time the most important thing is to support the economic reactivation.
According to Fenalco Bogotá, the most common gifts to give that day are sweets, chocolates, flowers, accessories, stuffed animals and invitations to restaurants; the average investment for the purchase of details and celebration is $120,000 and the preferred payment method with 53% of choice is cash/debit, while 47% use a credit card.
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Orrego also pointed out that this will be possible thanks to the support of the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá, which through the Secretariat of Economic Development managed all the support, both from the related entities and from the authorities, all with the aim of ensuring that this day can be lived with much love and happiness.
“This date, in addition to promoting unity and appreciation between friends and couples, significantly boosts the city’s economy. It is important to announce that this Saturday we will have a new Bogotá Despierta event, where nearly 6,000 points of sale will extend their hours, making it even easier to consume,” he said.
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The Director of Fenalco Bogotá also indicated that “Shopping centers and areas such as San Felipe have joined in. We invite everyone to enjoy this day and take advantage of the offers that businesses have prepared for this very special occasion.”
The Bogotá Despierta days are characterized by the fact that the commercial premises and schedules come together to extend their opening hours, generally until 11 at night, and to offer promotions that seek to encourage consumption and provide different experiences to their users. There will also be participation from restaurants and nightclubs, the latter in cases where they open at 5 in the morning.
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“The Secretariat of Economic Development supports the event through the Bogotá 24-hour strategy. Information on participating businesses is available at www.bogotadespierta.co,” said the Mayor of Bogotá.
Among the moments that are usually celebrated and that would be pending for 2024, after love and friendship would come Halloween, then Black Weekend (end of November), the festivities at the beginning of December and the Christmas and New Year celebrations; where it is projected that sales will increase by more than 30% and that At least 18% of merchants hire additional staff to serve during these hours.
