São Paulo Retail Set for Record December on 4% Gain, With Last‑Minute Spending Up

Overview

• FecomercioSP estimates December retail revenue in São Paulo will rise 4% to R$149.7 billion, the largest monthly total since the series began in 2008.
• In a December survey, 60.5% of firms reported higher revenue than a year ago and 79% expect stronger Christmas sales, though growth is slower than December 2024’s 7.3% pace.
• Retailers kept operations conservative, with 76% forgoing temporary hires, 59% running with smaller inventories, and 54% skipping promotions as 47% held prices steady and 45% raised them.
• A CNDL/SPC study projected roughly 12 million last‑minute buyers across Brazil’s capitals, with payments of salaries and the 13th salary helping concentrate shopping close to Christmas.
• Merchant reports pointed to higher ticket values and strong foot traffic, including Brás rising from R$175 to R$190 per purchase and Mega Plaza posting about 50% more visitors and over 15% higher revenue with an average ticket near R$250.