Challenges and opportunities in the school campaign: sector analysis and projections.

This year's school campaign has been marked by several factors that have influenced its development and projections so far. Despite the positive growth expectations in sales, there have been some delays and challenges that have impacted the pace of the campaign. From the perspective of distributors and wholesalers, the campaign started early last year due to concerns about the El Niño phenomenon, which allowed for a good supply of merchandise in the localities from November and December. However, the start of the peak sales to the final consumer has been delayed this year, partly due to the late start of classes and the lower purchasing power of Peruvians to face school expenses. Rodolfo Ojeda, president of the Small Business Guild of the Lima Chamber of Commerce, points out that while there is optimism regarding the development of the campaign, consumers are looking for more affordable products and waiting for offers, which has led to greater caution in spending. In the case of Gamarra, the campaign has been more limited compared to previous years, representing between 5% and 8% of the first semester sales of the emporium. On the other hand, manufacturers and distributors like Tai Heng and Continental have seen growth in sales, although they face more intense competition in the school supplies market. To remain competitive, they have opted to offer more accessible prices and attractive promotions for consumers. Regarding projections for the rest of the campaign, sales are expected to remain dynamic, with a possible increase in digital sales and the implementation of strategies to attract consumers. Despite the challenges and current economic conditions, a positive outlook is foreseen for the sector, with estimated sales growth and a focus on differentiation and innovation to stand out in a competitive market. In summary, this year's school campaign presents itself as a scenario of opportunities and challenges for sector players, who seek to adapt to the new market conditions and meet consumer needs in a complex economic context.