Sales in shopping centers fell by 35% in Panama due to street closures and protests

The almost four weeks of street closures and demonstrations at the national level left severe problems for large sectors that continue to seek the long-awaited economic recovery, such is the case of shopping centers.

The president of the Panamanian Association of Shopping Centers (Apacecom), Nadkyi Duque, revealed that this situation had an impact on sales. “We came with a gradual but positive growth and with the closure, sales fell considerably 35% in Panama and 50% in the interior of the country,” she added.

He stated that the trade sector has been one of those that has responded most quickly in the recovery and “we bet that these differences in Panama can be resolved through dialogue.”

Duque commented that the businesses that had left have gradually recovered significantly, only 20% are missing, however, a large supply remains.

The president of Apacecom announced that the Black Weekend Panama 2022 will be held from September 14 to 18, since it is the lowest month in sales in different sectors historically. She, in turn, indicated that the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) has been supporting the promotion of Panama as a shopping destination.